Epicurus
Epicurus (341–270 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism and taught at a school called the Garden in Athens. His ethics emphasized simple pleasures, the absence of pain, and tranquility, a perspective reflected in the quoted concern that riches torment us through fear of loss.
Quotes by Epicurus
Quotes: 5
The Uneasy Burden: Wealth’s Joy and Anxiety
Literature across the ages amplifies this theme. In Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’ (1861), characters struggle with newfound fortunes, only to discover that anxiety and fear of loss overshadow their enjoyment. Such narratives remind us that the psychological costs of wealth—worry, suspicion, and isolation—often undermine its promised rewards. [...]
Created on: 5/7/2025
Appreciate What You Have – Epicurus on Contentment
The saying encourages a mindful attitude, remaining present and appreciative in the moment. [...]
Created on: 4/18/2025
Man Is Not Worried by Real Problems, but by Imagined Anxieties – Epicurus
This quote suggests that humans tend to create imagined fears about potential outcomes, which can lead to greater worry than the problems themselves. Our minds amplify the possible difficulties instead of focusing on resolving the actual situation. [...]
Created on: 10/21/2024
It Is Not What We Have But What We Enjoy That Constitutes Our Abundance — Epicurus
Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, founded Epicureanism, which teaches that the aim of life is to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. However, this pleasure is not about indulgence but about achieving a calm and modest life where one enjoys friendships, freedom, and philosophical contemplation. [...]
Created on: 9/20/2024
The Greater the Difficulty, the More Glory in Surmounting It - Epicurus
The quote serves as an inspiration to those facing adversity. It reassures that the effort and struggle involved in overcoming difficulties will not be in vain; instead, they promise a more glorious victory. [...]
Created on: 7/17/2024