epicureísmo

Epicureísmo is a philosophical school founded by Epicurus of Samos in Athens around 307 BCE. At its core, Epicureanism posits that the greatest good is pleasure, understood not as excessive indulgence, but as a state of tranquility and freedom from fear and bodily pain. This absence of disturbance, known as ataraxia, is the ultimate goal of a happy life.

Epicureans believed that the universe is composed of atoms and void, and that gods, if they exist, are unconcerned with human affairs. This materialistic view aimed to liberate individuals from the fear of divine retribution and the afterlife. They advocated for a life of moderation, cultivating friendships, and engaging in philosophical contemplation as the most reliable sources of lasting pleasure. The pursuit of wealth, power, or fame was generally seen as a source of anxiety and therefore detrimental to achieving ataraxia.

The philosophy emphasizes prudence and reasoned choices in seeking pleasures that are natural and necessary, while avoiding those that are unnatural or unnecessary and might lead to future pain. While often misunderstood as a philosophy promoting hedonism in a vulgar sense, Epicureanism is, in fact, a nuanced system focused on achieving a serene and contented existence through wisdom and self-control.