estoist

Epicurus, often referred to as an "Epicurean," was a Greek philosopher born in 341 BCE on the island of Samos. His philosophy, known as Epicureanism, is a school of thought centered on attaining happiness through the pursuit of pleasure and freedom from pain. The term "Epicurean" is sometimes misused to describe someone who indulges excessively in food and drink, but this is not aligned with Epicurus' actual teachings.

Epicureanism emphasizes the importance of living a life of moderation, simplicity, and self-sufficiency. Epicurus believed that the absence of bodily pain and the absence of disturbance in the soul (ataraxia) are the greatest goods in life. He argued that pleasure is not merely the pursuit of indulgence but rather the absence of pain and the cultivation of tranquility. His philosophy also includes a materialistic view of the universe, asserting that the world is composed of atoms moving through the void.

Epicurus founded his own school, the Garden, in Athens around 306 BCE, where he and his followers lived communally, engaging in philosophical discussions and studying nature. The Garden became a center for the study of Epicurean philosophy, attracting many followers who sought to live in accordance with its principles. Epicurus' teachings were later compiled into three main volumes: *On Nature* (in three books), *On Principles* (in three books), and *On Desires* (in three books), though only fragments of these works survive today.

Epicureanism had a significant influence on Roman thought, particularly through the writings of Lucretius in his poem *De Rerum Natura* (On the Nature of Things). The philosophy also had an impact on later Western thought, including the Enlightenment and modern secular humanism. Epicurus' ideas continue to be studied and debated, offering insights into the pursuit of happiness, the nature of reality, and the ethics of living a virtuous life.