Epicureanism Vs Stoicism | Overview and Explanation

Epicureanism began around the same time as Stoicism but is frequently dismissed by prominent Stoics such as Epictetus. This video examines the differences in theory and practice.

(Correction: At 3:30 I said the Stoics were opposed to divination, this is not correct, they did in fact incorporate it into their metaphysics)

0:00 - Start
0:21 - Intro
1:28 - High level overview
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4:20 - History
6:48 - Epicurus' other works
8:32 - Types of pleasure
10:28 - Types of desire
15:53 - Religion, death & society
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19:37 - Recap
22:40 - Takeaways for Stoics
24:48 - Takeaways for Epicureans

#Epicureanism #Stoicism

[VoxStoica]

Correction: At 3:30 I said the Stoics were opposed to divination, this is not correct, they did in fact incorporate it into their metaphysics
27:30 - This is actually from the letter to Maria Cosway, 12 Oct 1786
Timings
0:21 - Intro
1:28 - High level overview
4:20 - History
6:48 - Epicurus' other works
8:32 - Types of pleasure
10:28 - Types of desire
15:53 - Religion, death & society
19:37 - Recap
22:40 - Takeaways for Stoics
24:48 - Takeaways for Epicureans

[commenteroftruth]

removing sources of pain before seeking new pleasures (I.e. using pleasures to avoid pain) is such an important piece of lore.

[johngarbutt]

Neither Stoicism nor Epicureanism are perfect philosophies, but both can teach us valuable lessons.

When discussing happiness, modern psychologists often distinguish between hedonic happiness (the result of experiencing pleasure) and eudaimonic happiness (the result of living a good life).

I find this distinction reminiscent of the Epicurean focus on simple pleasures versus the Stoic focus on virtue. I think that we should aim for some kind of balance between the two.

Psychologists have also determined that happier people tend to be more altruistic (ergo more virtuous), and if the pursuit of pleasure (in moderation) increases overall happiness, then perhaps the Stoics were mistaken to consider pleasure an absolute indifferent.

On the subject of whether it is better to withdraw from society like an Epicurean or engage with it like a Stoic, I think this is perhaps something that varies between individuals. Different people have different abilities and temperaments, some of which may be better suited to civic duties than others. Some people, such as artists and intellectuals, have historically been more beneficial to society by choosing to exist outside of it.

[orantreacy]

Love that there are many Epicurus and Lucretius fans here

[AlexPanther]

As an (self proclaimed) Epicurean I think this video brings the differences very good to the point.
I have learned many useful things from both the stoics and the Epicureans.

I like to think of all philosophies as a kind of "toolkit".
All of them have their own virtues and vices.
There is no "one right way to follow" but countless ideas to be explored.
Any though should be both entertained and challenged, to bring us closer to our true inner self and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

To all you stoics out there, I highly recommend the "Hagakure" to you.
It also has great overlap in many areas with stoicism and might hold some pieces of value for you.

[whosagreekgod]

I always consider myself to be more of a stoic since I always head negative criticisms of the epicureans but this is the first rundown of what was actually believed by them. I'm starting to myself more in line with epicureanism now. It's quite remarkable that I had never heard this. Thank you.

[militustoica]

Outstandingly well-researched and beautifully composed. Both Epicureans and Stoics have been grossly misrepresented over the millennia. It’s good to see the misinformation corrected in the public informational space.

[fraidoonw]

thanks, this was absolutely one of the fascinating talks on Epicureanism and Stoicism. It's worth listening time after time.

[marcaskew]

You make a vital point at the beginning - it is indeed astounding how the stereotypical dictionary /colliquial definition of Epicurianism has misrepresented that body philosophy..I only discovered this myself when reading Lucretius. Thankyou.

[marscruz]

Thank you for this introduction to Epicureanism. This has widened my understanding of that philosophy. I had the impression that Epicureanism was just some sort of Bacchanalian pleasure seeking attitude. Now I know better. Excellent presentation.

[murrayoickle]

It is rare that I make it all the way through a philosophy video, as many seem pretentious and rather boring but this one is an exception. This is well-produced and interesting video. The imagery is beautiful and compliments the content.

[Siss]

I worship at the shrine of Epicurus. A sage for the ages, one of the wisest men to have ever lived! Fantastic video, very succinct and informative!

[antainmaclochlainn]

Coming to the party late, but these are really impressive videos. The exposition of Epicureanism here is clear, concise and scrupulously fair. A really professional job.

[prabuddh_mathur]

Firstly, WELCOME BACK!
I saw an ad before this video, glad they remonetized your channel again.
Your channel must really have helped people during these tough times of COVID. After your second book of DIscourses, you suddenly went away, I thought your morale must also be down due to COVID and channel being demonetized. Glad you came back for me you are the voice of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and so on.
Just keep on making such videos we are with you!

[alexplayford]

I have embraced stoicism my whole adult life and have read Epictetus’ criticisms of Epicurus. You have happily educated me about a subject that I knew little. Great job!

[bobmartin]

Based on what little I knew about Epicureanism I had thus far avoided pursing it, this video completely shifted my perspective and has allowed me appreciate the philosophy. Great work!

[matthewbarber]

Thank you for taking a balanced perspective to your analysis. Such nuance is often lost when people pursue ideological extremes, and your analysis of the subjects of Epicureanism and Stoicism was very informative and helpful. I often think that happiness is a dialectic between delaying gratification for better tomorrow, and enjoying the blessings of today. Sometimes you need to put your nose to the grindstone and work, and other times it is best to bask in the sunlight and take a nap. Anyone who pursues either to an extreme will have a very stunted life.

[stephenarnquist]

I listened to your reading of the Meditations before any of your other videos, so now in my head it feels like Marcus Aurelius is teaching me about Epicureanism!

[sihaves]

Again thanks for this excellent video and talk.
I’m pretty much an Epicurean but I find stoicism really interesting and helpful.
Whilst Epicurus himself didn’t marry and have children and we don’t know if he had sexual relationships, I personally am married and have a family which bring me much joy overall. But that’s was a thought out choice rather than social pressure.
I think that Epicurus’s suspicion of political and public life are perhaps partly due to the times he lived in and perhaps because politics is often being about personal ambitions. Myself I’m a member of a political party, I vote and have been in involved in activism and campaigns.
My Epicurean practice is about simple living, simple pleasures and valuing my relationships, kindness and gratitude,
I also practice the virtues to the best of my ability, that’s because I value myself and other people rights to be treated well and with honesty.
I think that modern society searches for happiness in consumerism and social status which is a long way from the teaching of the Garden.

[davespears]

These are the philosophy's you should start learning around 8 to 10 years old, I'm 62 but I'm grateful to start learning now.