How Epicurus Keeps Calm

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus may seem an unlikely figure to teach us how to achieve a calm mind because of his reputation as an indulgent pleasure-seeker. Unfortunately, the teachings of Epicurus are gravely misunderstood by many. While it’s true that, according to Epicurus, pleasure leads to happiness, his philosophy leans much more to asceticism than to indulgence.

Within Epicurus’ teachings, we find a curious recipe for reaching a state of ‘ataraxia’, which can be translated as ‘equanimity’ or ‘tranquility’. Unlike the Stoics, Epicurus wasn’t interested in traditional virtues. Instead, he believed that engaging in the right amount of pleasure, given this is done with wisdom and moderation, is the key to a happy life.

This video explores how an Epicurean achieves peace and calm.

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[OnePercentBetter]

“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

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“He who is not satisfied with a little is satisfied with nothing.”
― Epicurus

[yemengoto]

"The root of suffering is craving."--Buddha.

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“When a person can't find a deep sense of meaning, they distract themselves with pleasure.”
― Viktor E. Frankl

[lyceumofphilosophy]

Epicurus argued that reading a book or walking in nature can be as pleasurable as drinking too much wine or pursuing carnal desires. It's unfortunate that he is not as popular as the Stoics in the modern era, even though he was very influential back in the days. He even influenced Cicero, the man who remained influential up until the 19th century!

[gabrielgrigore]

If it's out of your control it's not worth it to stress about it
It it is within your control you have to focus on making a change
There is no situation within which not being calm makes sense

[heavymeddle]

I've been an amphetamine addict for about 25 years. Clean now but I have to say that the stoic philosophy has helped me many times when I've felt, "F this! I'm doing it again"... This channel has helped me to find a calm place and think twice ♥️from Thailand 🇹🇭

[ReynaSingh]

The ultimate strength is being able to remain calm in difficult situations

[Astrogildooo]

If anyone would like to know more, I highly recommend reading Epicurus' "Letter to Menoeceus", it pretty much summarizes his philosophy in a guide to happiness sorta thing

[shaunaksule]

Everytime I feel disoriented or simply down, I watch one of your videos and damn, is it the best thing in the world or what! Thank you so much for this channel!!

[student_of_Improvement]

I really loved the video! I now learned about epicurus and his teachings, because of your easy to understand and straight to the point video. Probably the best philosophical channel and Youtube. Keep up the great work, man!
Also, the animations throughout the video are really good and help the video stand out.

[daniel-stopsurvivingstartl]

You have to stop the habit of being sensitive to the feeling of 'anxiety' itself. Before, when even the smallest levels of anxiety emerged, you may have instantly started to worry and overthink. That was your defense mechanism against anxiety.
However, that is the wrong way to react. Even when anxiety emerges, people who are not so sensitive are not really affected. They don’t fear more than they need to. Naturally, they don’t ‘defend’ themselves by overthinking. In other words, they are not susceptible to the vicious loop of overthinking.
So when you feel insecure, you can become stronger if you can release the compulsion of getting rid of your anxiety. Re-define what it means to be mentally strong.
You are strong not ‘because’ of something, but you are strong ‘despite’ of something.

[LetsTalkPhilosophy]

Pleasure seasoned with temperance is one recipe for the good life.

[liafuentes]

These videos bring the best of Stoicism and now Epicureanism! Lovely to watch!

[ilariazacconi]

I do love your videos: they leave me a wonderful and cozy feeling of tranquillity and well-being. Also, your voice is amazing! Keep it up! 😄🦋

[inbasicterms-popculturevid]

You don't develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.

[martinsabucha]

I love your channel pal. Keep up great work, you are helping to build next generation of critical thinkers, philosophers and people living without fear :) this resonates strongly with me.

[ellenled]

Another brilliantly done video---I understand Epicurus so much better and can use his philosophy now in living a better life, which centers around peace and equanimity.

[dailydoseofmedicinee]

Epicurus, (born 341 bc, Samos, Greece—died 270, Athens), Greek philosopher, author of an ethical philosophy of simple pleasure, friendship, and retirement. He founded schools of philosophy that survived directly from the 4th century bc until the 4th century ad.

[lukehunnable]

Epicurus: the most misunderstood and misconstrued philosopher ever.
Also, my favourite greek one!