Epicurus (341–270 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the school of Epicureanism, one of the most influential philosophies of the Hellenistic period. He taught that the highest good is happiness, which he defined as the absence of physical pain (aponia) and mental disturbance (ataraxia).
Epicurus’ system was designed as a “therapy for the soul,” aimed at achieving tranquility through three main areas of study: Ethics (The Pursuit of Tranquility); Physics (Atomism); Theology (Freedom from Fear).
Around 306 BC, Epicurus established his school, The Garden, in Athens. It was unique for its time by openly welcoming women, foreigners, and enslaved people to participate in philosophical study.
Though he was a prolific author of over 300 works, nearly all have been lost. Our primary direct sources are three letters preserved by Diogenes Laertius.
What if peace, not achievement, is the real measure of success?
