sara aimelle

Imagine this: It’s the third century B.C., and you’re in Athens. You could be following all the usual city hustle—philosophy debates, intense workouts in the gymnasium, maybe even a Socratic seminar or two. But instead, you stroll into a garden, where a group of people is lounging around, eating figs, and chatting about life. Meet Epicurus, the founder of this ultra-relaxed school of thought known as Epicureanism. His motto? “Life is short, so don’t stress. Enjoy it—within reason.”

What is Epicureanism?

So what’s Epicureanism all about? In short, Epicurus believed that the highest good is pleasure, but hold up—don’t go wild just yet. He wasn’t about binge-watching Netflix all day or having pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Epicurus argued for simple pleasures, the kind that make you feel calm and content. For him, happiness wasn’t about wild parties or gold statues; it was about avoiding pain, finding peace, and enjoying the little things.

And he was practical about it too. Epicurus said, “Listen, life is full of stuff we can’t control. So instead of chasing after riches and fame, why not kick back, focus on what makes you happy, and let the rest go?” I mean, the guy even avoided politics just so he could spend his days in his garden. Can you blame him?

Epicurean Pleasure: Not What You Think

Alright, so let’s clarify this pleasure thing, because I know what you’re thinking: “Did Epicurus just give us an ancient license to party?” Well, not exactly. Epicurus was all about moderate pleasure. He said that true happiness comes from things like good friends, a calm mind, and a slice of bread with a side of cheese. Not exactly a raging Saturday night, but hey, it works.

Epicurus believed in two kinds of pleasure: kinetic and static. Kinetic pleasure is the kind you get from eating a donut or going skydiving. It’s fun, but it’s short-lived. Static pleasure, on the other hand, is the lasting satisfaction you feel when you’re just content. It’s the feeling you get after a great meal, not while you’re stuffing your face. Basically, it’s about finding pleasure that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a nap.

Epicurus on Fear: Because Who Wants to Worry About the Gods?

Epicurus was famous for saying that fear is what messes us up the most. People back then were terrified of the gods smiting them, or being doomed to some horrible afterlife. But Epicurus? He was like, “Nah, don’t sweat it.” He claimed the gods are too busy being, well, gods to worry about us mere mortals. It’s kind of like thinking about the CEO of a huge company—you’re probably not on their radar, and that’s totally fine.

As for death, Epicurus had a refreshingly simple take. He said, “Death is nothing to us.” Basically, when you’re alive, death isn’t there. And when you’re dead, well, you’re not around to care. So why waste time worrying about it? Instead, he suggested focusing on living well. (To be fair, this guy was all about living his best life.)

Epicurus’s Garden Gang: The Original Chill Crew

Epicurus wasn’t just a lone philosopher in a toga; he built a whole community around his ideas. He and his followers would hang out in his garden, where they’d have philosophical discussions, eat simple meals, and avoid drama at all costs. Imagine a no-judgment zone with endless tea breaks. No politics, no endless debates—just pure, wholesome relaxation.

In fact, Epicurus once said, “Of all the things wisdom provides to make life entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship.” For him, life was best spent with friends who shared your vibe—people who wanted to live simply and appreciate each moment. I mean, can we join his garden crew, or what?

Epicureanism Today: The Art of Taking It Easy

So what can we take from Epicurus today? Simple: life isn’t about overloading yourself. It’s about finding a rhythm that brings you peace. He reminds us to enjoy the little things—a good book, a nice meal, a friend who makes you laugh. He’d tell you to skip the extra hours at the office and instead spend time with the people who matter, because when you look back, that’s what you’ll remember.

And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, just think of Epicurus chilling in his garden, telling you to take a breath, relax, and maybe grab a snack. Life’s too short for constant stress, so don’t waste it on things that don’t bring you joy.

After all, life’s best moments are often the ones where we’re just being, well, human.

XOXO, strangers!