Do you know such a thing as an epicurean?This word has recently began to sound more and more.And it does not always mention the place.That is why the meaning and origin of the word is appropriate to talk in more detail.
Epicurus and Epicureans
in the III.BC.e.in Greece, in Athens, there was a man by the name of Epicurus.He was extremely versatile personality.From an early age fascinated by his various philosophies.Subsequently, however, he said that he is ignorant and self-taught, but it is not consistent with the truth.According to eyewitnesses, Epicurus was an educated man, endowed with the highest moral character, has precisely the nature and prefer the easiest way of life.
At age 32, he had created his own philosophical teaching, and later founded a school for which Athens was acquired by a large shady garden.This school is called "The Garden of Epicurus" and had many disciples.Actually, Epicurean - a disciple and follower of Epicurus.All his followers, attended school, the teacher called "philosophers of the garden."It was a kind of community in which reigned modesty, no frills and friendly atmosphere.Before entering the "Garden" was a pitcher of water and simple lay tortilla bread - symbols of what a person in this life, you need quite a bit.
Epicureans, philosophy
philosophy of Epicurus can be called materialistic, he did not recognize the gods, denied the existence of predestination or fate, the man recognized the right of free will.The basic ethical principle in the "Garden of Epicurus" was proclaimed pleasure.But not in a vulgar and simplified form, as it was understood by the majority of the Greeks.
Epicurus taught that in order to get real satisfaction out of life, you want to restrict their wants and needs, and this is precisely the wisdom and prudence of a happy life.Epicure - a man who understands that the main pleasure - it is life itself, and its lack of suffering.The excessive and greedy people, the harder they achieve happiness and the sooner they doom themselves to perpetual dissatisfaction and fear.
distortion of the teachings of Epicurus
later ideas of Epicurus were heavily distorted by Rome."Epicureanism" in key positions become different from the ideas of its founder and approached the so-called "hedonism".This distorted the teachings of Epicurus came to the present day.Modern people often rest assured that Epicurean - is the one who considers the highest good of your own pleasure and for the enhancement of the last living extravagantly, allowing yourself to all sorts of excesses.
And since today there are many people around, you might think that the world today is developing according to the teachings of Epicurus, in fact everywhere hedonism reigns.In fact, in this modern society it is close to ancient Rome period of its decline.From the history it is well known that, in the end, widespread corruption and excesses of the Romans brought the former once great empire to the complete decline and destruction.
Famous followers of Epicurus Epicurus
ideas were very popular, and found many supporters and followers.His school has existed for almost 600 years.Notable supporters of the ideas of Epicurus - Lucretius, who wrote the famous poem "On the Nature of Things," which played a major role in popularizing Epicureanism.
Epicureanism special distribution received during the Renaissance.Influence of the teachings of Epicurus can be traced in the literary works of Rabelais, Lorenzo Valla, Raimondi et al. Subsequently, the supporters were the philosopher Gassendi, Fontenelle, d'Holbach, La Mettrie and other thinkers.
