How to live like an Epicurean — 9 key habits
All the best-selling psychology books, boiled down to 20 simple rules
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If you’re looking for a way to live a more fulfilling or simpler life, living like an Epicurean might be the answer. Epicureanism is a philosophy that emphasises the importance of pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain to live a fulfilling life. However, this idea of pleasure was not limited to physical pleasure alone but also included intellectual pleasures such as knowledge and wisdom. It teaches that the greatest good is pleasure and the absence of pain.
Epicureanism was founded by Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who believed that we could achieve happiness by living a simple life and focusing on personal pleasure. He also emphasised the importance of self-control and rationality. Epicureans believe that the best way to achieve happiness is to live a simple life free from fear and anxiety.
Epictetus, a Greek philosopher was strongly influenced by Epicureanism.
He believed that the key to living a happy life was to focus on what was within our control and to let go of what was beyond our control. This philosophy of detachment and acceptance of things as they are is central to both Epicureanism and Stoicism, another school of thought that Epictetus is associated with.
But how do we apply this philosophy to our modern lives?
To start living like an Epicurean, look into yourself. According to Epicurus, true happiness comes from within, and it’s something that can’t be found in external possessions or circumstances. So instead of looking to external things for long-term happiness, focus on developing your inner self and finding joy in simple pleasures.
Master your emotions
“Men inflict injuries from hatred, jealousy or contempt, but the wise man masters all these passions by means of reason.” ― Epicurus
Epictetus teaches us that the key to living a happy life is self-control.
He believed mastering our emotions was key to living a happy and fulfilling life.
He taught we should strive to achieve a state of ataraxia, or tranquillity, by learning to control our emotional reactions to the world around us.
Strive to control your emotions and desires rather than being controlled by them, he argued.
By learning to master our own minds, we can avoid being swayed by external influences and live a more peaceful and contented life.
That means practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment rather than getting caught up in distractions or worrying about the future.
Let go of things beyond your control
“The esteem of others is outside our control; we must attend instead to healing ourselves.” ― Epicurus
To live like an Epicurean, focus on what you can control.
Rather than dwelling on things you can’t change, focus on things within your power; your thoughts, behaviours, and attitudes.
Accepting things as they are, without judgment or resistance, can help you let go of the need to control everything.
It doesn’t mean you have to like everything that happens to you, but it does mean accepting that it has happened and moving forward from there.
Seek true pleasure
“We must free ourselves from the prison of our everyday affairs and politics, and take refuge in the simple pleasures of life.” — Epicurus
One of the vital tenets of Epicureanism is the belief that pleasure is the highest good. However, this doesn’t mean that we should indulge in every pleasure that comes our way.
To live like an Epicurean, understand that pleasure is not just about physical gratification. True pleasure comes from living a virtuous life and cultivating meaningful relationships with others.
It means finding joy in the simple things in life, such as building solid connections with friends and family. It also means focusing on the simple pleasures in life and avoiding excess.
Ultimately, we can find a sense of contentment and happiness that is not dependent on external factors.
Be moderate
“Be moderate in order to taste the joys of life in abundance.” — Epicurus
Another essential element of the Epicurean philosophy is the idea of moderation. Epicureans believe that excess and indulgence can lead to pain and suffering.
While it’s important to seek pleasure and avoid pain, we must do so in a balanced way that doesn’t lead to excess or addiction.
“The things you really need are few and easy to come by; but the things you can imagine you need are infinite, and you will never be satisfied,” says Epicurus.
Be mindful of your habits and behaviours, and make conscious choices that promote your overall well-being.
Nurture true friendships
“Of all the means to insure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.” — Epicurus
Epicurus believed that friendship was essential for a happy and fulfilling life. He said, “friendship is the greatest of all the blessings, for by it we are enabled to live pleasantly with one another.”
He believed close friendships are essential to a happy life.
Epicureans prioritise spending time with people who share their values and interests and who bring joy and meaning to their lives
Genuine friendships can provide us with love, support, and happiness. They can make our lives richer and more fulfilling.
Live in the here and now
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” — Epicurus
Living like an Epicurean also means embracing the present moment. Epicurus argued that we should focus on what’s happening now rather than worrying about the past or future.
He thought it was a better approach to fully experience the joys and pleasures of life without being distracted by worries or regrets.
He observed that the greatest good is to live in the present moment and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
You can practice mindful living by paying attention to your senses, slowing down, being grateful and doing things you enjoy: creative expressions, reading, listening to music, spending time with friends, or anything else that makes you happy.
Practice simplicity
“Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” — Epicurus
Epicurus was a philosopher who believed in living a simple and peaceful life, free from the fear of death and other forms of adversity.
He taught his followers to seek pleasure and avoid pain, but not in an excessive or reckless way.
To live like an Epicurean, focus on what truly brings you joy and let go of unnecessary clutter and distractions.
It can apply to everything from our possessions to our schedules as we strive to create a peaceful and fulfilling life.
Epicureans believe that the simple pleasures of life are the most important. Simple things like good food, good company, and meaningful experiences are more valuable for a happy life than material possessions or status symbols.
Challenge adversity
“You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” — Epicurus
To challenge adversity like Epicurus, cultivate a calm and rational mindset. Adversity can be overwhelming and make us feel powerless, but we can choose to approach it with a clear and logical perspective.
When we focus on the facts and avoid emotional reactions, we can make better decisions and find solutions more easily.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it,” Epicurus said.
Adversity can be painful and challenging but can also be a chance to learn and develop resilience. Think of obstacles as challenges to overcome; rather than insurmountable barriers, we can build strength and confidence in ourselves.
Make self-reflection a habit
Epicurus observed a pleasant life is “produced by sober reasoning which examines the motives for every choice and avoidance, driving away beliefs which are the source of mental disturbances.”
One practical way to live like an Epicurean is to cultivate a mindfulness practice. It involves meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect on our thoughts and emotions.
When we are more aware of our inner world, we can better control our reactions to external events and find greater peace and happiness.
In conclusion, living like an Epicurean is all about finding happiness and contentment within ourselves.
Habits like practicing self-control, cultivating genuine friendships, seeking out healthy pleasures, challenging the chaos of life and choosing to live in the present are key elements an Epicurean life.
The pursuit of meaningful pleasure, the importance of cultivating virtues, and the acceptance of things beyong our control are just a few of the key ideas that make Epicureanism such an intriguing and meaningful approach to life.
Featured free read on Medium
All the Best-Selling Psychology Books, Boiled Down to 20 Simple Rules
4. Thoughts are not facts.
(The Happiness Trap, Rewire Your Anxious Brain, Chatter)
– Your mind lies all the time.
– Don’t believe everything you think.
– Question the drama of the mind. Always.
– Emotions are also not facts.
– Don’t hold onto what’s passing.
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Until Next Week,
Be Well.
Thomas
“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be.” — Marcel Pagnol
Postanly Weekly is a reader-supported smarter living newsletter. To support my work, you can upgrade to a paid subscription for $9 per month or $60 for an entire year. Or choose from my first-ever “forever” sliding scale discount options ( 70% off, 60% off or 50% off). Pick what’s right for you. Your modest donation keeps Postanly Weekly going. Download my free books here.