Ataraxia

Ataraxia is a state of serene calm, free from distress, anxiety, and fear. The term is Greek in origin, from a- meaning “not” and tarassein meaning “to disturb,” signaling untroubledness of mind.

In Epicureanism, ataraxia is the central goal. It is pursued by removing fear—especially fear of gods and death—and by minimizing physical pain. This is achieved through the cultivation of moderate desires, the pursuit of natural and necessary pleasures, and the cultivation of friendship and knowledge about the nature of the world.

In Pyrrhonian Skepticism, tranquility results from epoché, the suspension of judgment, and the avoidance of dogmatic conclusions. By refraining from rigid beliefs and resisting the disturbance caused by uncertain impressions, the mind remains at ease.

Stoic philosophy emphasizes apatheia, freedom from disruptive passions. While not always framed as ataraxia, the Stoic ideal of imperturbability serves a similar purpose: maintaining rational equanimity in the face of external events, through disciplined use of judgment and virtue.

In later usage, ataraxia has been adopted in broader philosophical and literary contexts to denote serenity or peace of mind. In modern psychology and related disciplines, the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a state of emotional equilibrium or resilience.

See also: apatheia, epoche, aponia, and the broader study of tranquility in ancient philosophy.