Essay Sample about Epicurus and His View on Happiness

Epicurus famous statement was “Thanks be to blessed Nature because she has made what is necessary easy to supply, and what is not easy unnecessary...The right understanding of these facts enables us to refer all choice and avoidance to the health of the body and the soul's freedom from disturbance, since this is the aim of the life of blessedness."  He believed in the atomic theory which is the idea that human beings are created from free moving atoms, and we were all put on this infinite world to seek pleasure and avoid pain.  Epicurus defined pleasure in the only intrinsic value, pleasure required abstinence from unnecessary desires to achieve inner tranquility.  He believed that nature would grant us the necessary items to live a good life, the simple necessities are what are truly worth your while.  Through proper training of one’s mind, you can mold what true happiness looks like. His ethics were formed through hedonism (the only thing valuable is one’s happiness).

In addition, Epicurus, the intricate philosopher claimed that many individuals forcefully made themselves unhappy by living in fear of the Gods punishments and fear of passing away. Reducing pain and reaching ataraxia was what Epicurus was seeking. Confronting suffering was his first goal, facing your fears to upset the Gods, your significant other and living with anxiety are reasons pushed this philosopher to his beliefs. The Greek philosopher understood that “if we considered God to be an invulnerable and happy living thing. Then God must be completely unbothered and unstressed about human affairs.”  Many irrational fears such as fear of hell, fear of your gods, fear of death and fear of fate plagued the humans into living a life filled with angst and distress. 

Epicurus considered that the remedy of contentment would entail his friends, no partner, no romance just him and his companions. The apprehensions of affection can be avoided by idolizing friends over romantic love.  Meditating on his sophisticated ideas such as to not fear God, not to worry about demise, to live an easy, serene lifestyle, and to never not expect negativity to come your way. By obeying these 4 rules, you could manifest a longer and joyful life. This theory was known as Tetrapharakos (four-part cure) the four principles that would permit you to be joyful within hours of daylight and as you rest. The advantages of cherished friendships are much stronger and less stress than thinking of jealousy, cheating and being monogamous. According to Alain De Button, Epicurus was the first philosopher to state that pleasure was the most crucial thing in life, the unmaterialistic items in life were seen as having a crew of his buddies and a good read If the society believed in Epicureanism, our sense of community would not exist. We would not have EMS, caring hospital staff, and teachers helping our community, people would be self-absorbed. I strongly disagree with the idea of “unnecessary desires” because as humans we need social interaction and to sexually reproduce to maintain an equilibrium within our society. 

Throughout my natural life I have discovered that the satisfaction of being a decent person and living a fortunate life requires the belief of God. Alike Epicurus, he believes that God does no detriment on those who disobey him. God is a wonderful and caring. He describes his God as, “The blessed and immortal nature knows no trouble itself nor causes trouble to any other, so that it is never constrained by anger or favor. For all such things exist only in weak” (Philosophy & The Good Life, PG 53).  I was raised in a Christian household where we would learn, praise, and preach the word of God. My guardians brought me up to work hard to fulfill my dreams and goals. Things do not simply get handed to you on a platter. As far as I can remember, I have wanted to be an independent, money making, successful, family oriented individual. My views are far from philosopher Epicurus’s beliefs. I respect his views, but life is messy, focusing on happiness is just ignorant. 

In contrary to Epicurus’s philosophical views regarding death, it’s insane not to fear death. The idea of death is described as just a blank void and that we are just temporary atoms existing just seems like an odd way to view life. Epicurus believed that human qualities were describes as fine particles distributed through particles. Death would lead to the ending of one’s sensation. He believed that there was no afterlife in which punishment from wrathful Gods were awaiting to get their revenge. Although this theory seems delightful, I would have to disagree. I truly do believe that there is such thing as an afterlife where you will become judged before God himself. My ideas and beliefs for death are perceived to be very traditional and common amongst the Latino community. I believe that when we die, we reunite will our past on loved ones such as family and friends. 

In conclusion, The Greek atomist indicated a society in which one can free oneself by mentally training and attaining ataraxia, pursuing happiness and straying away from fear or anxieties. He was a strong believer in human behavior and attaining the highest good through practice, although this philosophical theory seems positive, the nature of these unnatural desires does not include the obstacles and the realness that may come across when trying to manifest true happiness.