Epicurus’ Perspective on a Happy Way of Life

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Humanity has been surrounded by many items that they may and may not need while requiring a balanced way of life. However, since people have a very poor understanding of which needs are necessary and which are not, finding happiness has become a hard task. From Epicurus’ perspective, the former are easy to acquire, while the latter are not. Simultaneously, the philosopher believed that understanding this fact motivates people to refer their choices and avoidances to bodily health and an unbothered soul, which, in turn, is the goal of a blessed life. I agree with that statement since humans currently lack this knowledge and need some guidance on the matter. This knowledge could have helped them achieve a happier life than the one they currently have.

Discussion

By identifying the natural and the vain desires, it is easier to find the path to happiness and follow it. In passage 16, it is stated that the former consists of three types of natural desires and some merely essential ones, while vain ones are to be avoided entirely (Epicurus: Chapter 2 36). For example, when I was a teenager, I had some unimportant and irrelevant needs. Having fulfilled them, I was dissatisfied, because the void was still present and I did not find what I actually needed. Epicurus accentuates self-sufficiency, independence, and analysis as the more valuable aspects of life (Spookybuk 9:29). Understanding this could have facilitated my search for happiness during my adolescence.

Independence is yet another valuable aspect of a fulfilled life. This is accentuated and explained in passage 18, where an independent person is defined as someone who obeys nature instead of vain views (Epicurus: Chapter 2 36). In order to obey nature, according to Epicurus, one must fulfill the necessary desires and the natural ones as well. It is important to mention that brands often take advantage of a person’s search for the things that could make their life blessed. For example, in a Tommy Hilfiger ad for perfume, the item is intentionally used as a representation of what one may actually seek, which is freedom (Spookybuk 12:18). One of my acquaintances can be considered independent because she understands that some of the desires she might have may be vain and not fulfill her needs.

Instead, she values friendship, self-sufficiency, and simplicity by spending time with her loved ones and listening to her inner self attentively. Moreover, she prioritizes long-term pleasure, which is what Epicurus supported (Epicurus: Chapter 2 8). The woman previously worked in the field of advertisement, so she is perfectly aware of how commercials tend to encourage one to prioritize irrelevant desires over natural ones, leaving the person with an internal void.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I agree with Epicurus’ perspective on a happy way of life. Humanity has lost the comprehension of the things that truly matter as opposed to irrelevant ones. Passages 16 and 18 elaborate on the values that truly matter, as the philosopher identifies natural needs, and accentuates independence and freedom from vain opinions as more appropriate ways of finding happiness. As a teenager, I was guilty of following my vain desires and struggling with a void after having accomplished them. Understanding the concepts that are actually valuable could have facilitated my life. Advertisements of brands often take advantage of the wishes humans have by intentionally embodying them in material items and promising the fulfillment of said desires upon their purchase. This is something that my friend understands, having worked in advertising and later following the needs that actually matter.

References

Spookybuk. “02 – Epicurus on Happiness – Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness.” YouTube, 2012, Web.

Unknown author, n. d. Chapter 2: Epicurus. Kendall Hunt Publishing. 2013

Unknown author, n. d. Chapter 2: Epicurus. Microsoft PowerPoint.

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Epicurus’ Perspective on a Happy Way of Life

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