Death is a theme that transcends time, affecting humanity since its existence. The way we face the end of life says a lot about how we live. In this article, we will explore the death of Epicurus, a philosopher who taught us to seek happiness in simplicity and to face death without fear.
The Life of Epicurus: The Garden of Philosophy
Epicurus was born in Samos, around 341 BC, and his philosophy is a testimony to a life dedicated to the search for ataraxia – peace of mind. Founder of the school that became known as “Epicurus’ Garden”, he was one of the most prolific thinkers of antiquity, leaving a legacy of works covering everything from physics to ethics.
The Garden and Its Fruits
The “Garden” was not just a physical space, but a learning and social environment that flourished under the care of its master. Epicurus taught that happiness resided in the absence of pain (aponia) and peace of mind (ataraxia), achieved through intelligent pleasure and friendship.
The Epicurean Doctrine
The Epicurean doctrine is based on the idea that life should be lived without irrational fears, such as the fear of gods and death. Epicurus saw the universe as a series of random events, where the gods did not interfere in human affairs, and death was simply the end of consciousness.
The End of Epicurus: Death and Its Lessons
Epicurus died in 270 BC in Athens. His end was marked by an illness that, according to records, was kidney stones. However, even in the face of pain, he maintained his serenity, leaving a last letter that exemplifies his philosophy of life.
The Last Letter: A Testament of Serenity
In his last letter, addressed to Idomeneus, Epicurus expresses the intensity of his physical pain, but highlights that this was overcome by the joy of the spirit. He emphasizes that the pleasure of the memory of his philosophical discoveries and the friendships he cultivated was enough to overcome the suffering.
Sickness and Death According to Epicurus
For Epicurus, death was not something to be feared. He believed that since death is the absence of sensation, it should not be a cause for concern. “When we are, death is not with us; when death is there, we are not,” is one of his most famous quotes.
Epicurus' Philosophy: Pleasure and Pain
Epicurus's philosophy is often misinterpreted as a relentless pursuit of hedonistic pleasures. However, he advocated moderate pleasure, supported by reason, and believed that pain could be a means to achieve greater pleasure in the long term.
Pleasure as a Virtue
Epicurus saw pleasure as the greatest good and pain as the greatest evil. However, he argued that not all pleasures should be pursued, nor all pains avoided. Discernment between them was the key to a happy life.
Pain: A Necessary Evil?
Although pain is naturally unwanted, Epicurus understood that it could be an inevitable aspect of the human condition. The way we deal with pain, whether physical or emotional, can teach us a lot about resilience and the ability to maintain serenity.
The Legacy of Epicurus: Contemporary Reflections
Epicurus' legacy remains relevant today. His philosophy invites us to reflect on the transitory nature of life and the importance of living the present fully and consciously.
Epicureanism in Modernity
In the modern era, where fear of death and the pursuit of immediate pleasures often dominate public discourse, Epicurus's lessons offer a necessary counterpoint. He teaches us to value the simple things in life and to find joy even in adversity.
Death and Everyday Life
Epicurus's approach to death is a reminder that excessive concern for the end can prevent us from enjoying the journey. In a world full of uncertainty, his philosophy offers a perspective of acceptance and peace.
Conclusion: The Death of Epicurus and the Value of Life
Epicurus' death was not only the end of a great philosopher, but also a final example of his doctrine in practice. He lived and died by the principles he preached, and his philosophy continues to inspire those who seek a life of contentment and serenity.
Learning from Epicurus
We can learn a lot from the way Epicurus faced death. His life and work are an invitation to rethink our own attitudes towards the end of life and the meaning of happiness.
The Garden That Keeps Growing
Epicurus's “Garden” may have faded into time, but the seeds of his philosophy continue to germinate in the minds and hearts of those who seek a life of rational pleasure and serenity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Epicurus and His Philosophy
Epicurus' life and death raise many questions about his philosophy, his beliefs, and the impact he had on how we understand the pursuit of happiness and acceptance of death. Below, you will find detailed answers to some of the most common questions relating to the philosopher Epicurus and his teachings.
Who was Epicurus?
Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who was born in 341 BC on the island of Samos. He is known for founding the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism, which promotes the pursuit of happiness through ataraxia (tranquility of mind) and aponia (absence of pain). He believed that pleasure was the beginning and end of the blessed life.
How did Epicurus die?
Epicurus died in 270 BC in Athens. According to the letters he left behind, his death was the result of kidney stones, a painful condition. However, even when facing intense pain, he maintained his serenity and emphasized the pleasure that the memory of a life well lived and friendships provided, overcoming the physical discomfort.
What was Epicurus' illness?
Epicurus suffered from kidney stones, a condition known to cause significant pain. This illness was mentioned in his letters, especially in a final letter to a friend, where he described the unbearable pain he was experiencing.
What is the ultimate end for Epicurus?
For Epicurus, the ultimate end, or goal of life, was to achieve happiness, which he defined as the presence of pleasure and the absence of pain. He believed that true happiness was found in ataraxia, a state of tranquility and freedom from fear, and in aponia, the absence of physical pain.
What was Epicurus' main idea about death?
Epicurus saw death as the end of consciousness and therefore something that should not be feared. He argued that the fear of death was irrational, because when death comes, we no longer exist and, consequently, we cannot suffer from it. His famous quote, “When we are, death is not with us; when death is there, we are not there”, encapsulates this idea.
How can Epicurus' philosophy be applied to modern life?
Epicurus' philosophy is surprisingly applicable to modern life, especially in a society that often values excess and consumption. His ideas about seeking simple pleasures, the importance of friendship, and accepting death can help us live a fuller, less anxious life, focused on what really matters.
Did Epicurus believe in gods?
Epicurus believed in the existence of gods, but in a way that did not interfere in human affairs. He rejected the idea that the gods were concerned or involved with life on Earth, which aligned with his belief that irrational fear, including fear of the gods, was an obstacle to happiness.
What is the “Garden of Epicurus”?
The “Garden of Epicurus” was both a physical place and a philosophical community in Athens, where Epicurus and his followers lived and studied together. It was an environment where not only knowledge was cultivated, but also friendship and communal life, essential elements for happiness according to Epicurean philosophy.
Was Epicurus a hedonist?
Epicurus is often associated with hedonism, but his views on pleasure were quite moderate and rational. He advocated an intelligent hedonism, where the pleasures of the mind were considered superior to the pleasures of the body, and believed that true happiness came from health, freedom and friendship, not from unbridled indulgence.
How did Epicurus influence other schools of thought?
Epicurus and his philosophy have had a significant influence on various schools of thought, both in antiquity and in modern times. Epicureanism challenged the established ideas of its time and influenced the development of humanism, utilitarianism and various currents of thought that value subjective experience and the pursuit of individual happiness.
