Epicurus
Epicurus
Epicuruswas an ancient Greek philosopher as well as the founder of the school of philosophy called Epicureanism. Only a few fragments and letters of Epicurus's 300 written works remain. Much of what is known about Epicurean philosophy derives from later followers and commentators...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
evil religion atheism
Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can and does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If, as they say, God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?
men justice fairness
Justice is a contract of expediency, entered upon to prevent men harming or being harmed.
appearance theory myth
When someone admits one and rejects another which is equally in accordance with the appearances, it is clear that he has quitted all physical explanation and descended into myth.
god strong prayer
A strong belief in fate is the worst kind of slavery; on the other hand, there is a comfort in the thought that God will be moved by our prayers.
men thinking unhappy
Any man who does not think that what he has is more than ample, is an unhappy man, even if he is the master of the whole world.
missing
We must meditate on what brings happiness, since when it has, it has everything, and when he misses, we do everything to have it
death dying
Where I am death is not, where death is I am not.
character personality handiwork
As if they were our own handiwork we place a high value on our characters.
being-happy thankful hope
Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.
care i-care
I was not, I was, I am not, I care not. (Non fui, fui, non sum, non curo)
independent justice engagement
Justice has no independent existence; it results from mutual contracts, and establishes itself wherever there is a mutual engagement to guard against doing or sustaining mutual injury.
men annihilation
What men fear is not that death is annihilation but that it is not.
fancy wealth natural
Natural wealth is limited and easily obtained; the wealth defined by vain fancies is always beyond reach.
sin salvation
The knowledge of sin is the beginning of salvation.