Epicurus - creator of the powerful Hellenistic teachings.He combined his own theory with the elements of ethics and teachings of Aristippus Democritus about atoms and developed their ideas (although he flouted the predecessors).
Athenian by birth, he grew up on the island of Samos.From a young age he was fond of philosophy, at age 32, created his own school of philosophy, first in the city Metelene o.Lesbos.From 306 BCEpicurus moved to Athens, buys the garden and it founds a school, and so it is called "The Garden" and the disciples and followers of Epicurus - "philosophers of the garden."Epicurus and his school played an important role in the development of philosophy.Established as a community of like-minded school during its existence, and it lasted about 600 years, did not know strife and discord.The disciples were devoted to his teacher, the former for their model behavior and comply with the principles established by them: "Do as if you looked at Epicurus."The philosophy of Epicurus - practical and materialistic.He denied fatalism (predetermination, fate), leaving the man free will and choice, and did not recognize the gods."Democritus world where everything is predetermined, dreary and joyless and even worse hell" - says Epicurus.Quotes from "chetveroyakogo drugs," the basic teachings of Epicurus:
- "Gods do not be afraid";
- "Death should not be too afraid, because" While we are, of death yet, but when it is, then we are no longer "";
- "The blessing is easy to achieve";
- "Evil is easy to endure."
Epicurus denies the immortality of the soul, but the soul itself.According to him the soul - this is a special structure of atoms, fine, but absolutely real substance that permeates the material body.In his teaching Epicurus does not aim to know the truth.His goal - to reconcile man with life, get rid of the pain and learn to accept it with joy."The role of the philosopher is close to the role of the doctor," - says Epicurus.- "This philosophy is to help a person get rid of unnecessary desires that cause suffering from a painful fears, learn to enjoy affordable, live simply and quietly. Human desires are unlimited. Unsatisfied desire causes suffering. Eesli limit the desire to show wisdom and prudence, then the reasons forpain will be less. "
This noticeable similarities with Buddhism, the philosophy of Epicurus, with his concept of the Middle Way (without seeking more joy, you do not get much suffering).For the happiness of a person needs only the absence of physical suffering, peace of mind, the warmth of friendship.
inscription at the entrance to the school read;"Guest, here you will be fine.The highest good is - fun. "But it is not physical, sensual pleasures are due, they, on the contrary, condemned, as they should always be for the price paid.Exalt intellectual pleasure, peace of mind, harmony with oneself and with the world, the joy of communicating with friends, and most importantly fun - it is life itself."Life is given in sensation, and they can not be wrong," - says Epicurus.Philosophy created them, it brings the mind of secondary importance after the senses.In relation to the state and society philosopher adhered to a neutral, detached attitude, believing that the correct person to live in seclusion.In his school, he took and women and even slaves.In other philosophical schools not practiced anything like it.New was the rise of the value of human life on earth and the justification of corporal human needs (these ideas are adopted later philosophers humanists of Revival).
front of the entrance to the school was a pitcher filled with water, and baked tortilla as a symbol of what a person really need quite a bit.Members of the community lived modestly and without frills.They are not combined property, it could cause divisions and mistrust, as suggested by Epicurus.The philosophy of Epicurus, adapted in Rome and France, has been greatly distorted.Epicureanism is markedly different from the teachings of Epicurus and closer in essence, rather, to hedonism.
