Despite its modern-day connotations of hedonism, "Epicureanism" has more to do with living a mindful, uncomplicated life. Epicurus ? who was born at Samos, Greece, in 341 BC and died at Athens in 270 BC ? founded a school of philosophy that focused on maximizing simple pleasures and minimizing pain, such as the irrational fear of death. "Death is nothing to us," declared Epicurus, "since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not." The philosopher did not believe that humans would be punished for their sins after death, and he stressed the lifelong search for lasting pleasures: tranquility, friendship, and philosophical inquiry. Although Epicurus was a prolific author, very few of his writings have survived. This volume, edited and translated by George K. Strodach, features three important letters and a collection of observations preserved by the biographer of ancient philosophers, Diogenes Laertius. Students of philosophy and ancient history will appreciate this compilation of Epicurus's enduring wisdom.

Contents Preface Introduction I. Development of the Atomic Concept II. First Principles of Atomism III. The Motion of Atoms IV. Sensation and Perception V. Theory of Knowledge VI. Religion and Theology VII. Ethics and the Good Life A Note on the Translation Excerpts from the Life of Epicurus by Diogenes Laertius Letter to Herodotus (Parallel Passages from Lucretius) Letter to Pythocles (Parallel Passages from Lucretius) Letter to Menoeceus (Parallel Passages from Lucretius) Leading Doctrines The Vatican Collection of Aphorisms Abbreviations Notes Selected Bibliography Index