Epicurus
Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher and the founder of Epicureanism, a school of philosophy that taught that the pursuit of pleasure and tranquility was the greatest good. He emphasized the importance of friendship, the pursuit of knowledge, and living a self-sufficient life free from fear and pain.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Lettres, Maximes Et Autres Textes
This collection presents a selection of writings by the ancient Greek philosopher, focusing on his teachings about the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of wisdom, friendship, and a simple life. The texts emphasize the importance of understanding the nature of desires and fears, advocating for a life free from unnecessary pain and anxiety. Through letters and maxims, the philosopher offers practical guidance on achieving tranquility and contentment by embracing a philosophy grounded in rational thought and the appreciation of simple pleasures.
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2. The Art Of Happiness
The book explores the philosophy of Epicurus, focusing on the pursuit of happiness through simple pleasures, the cultivation of friendships, and the development of a tranquil mind. It emphasizes the importance of understanding desires, distinguishing between necessary and unnecessary ones, and achieving a state of ataraxia, or inner peace, by minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure. The text advocates for a life of moderation, wisdom, and self-reflection, encouraging readers to find contentment in the present moment and to seek fulfillment through intellectual and emotional balance.
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3. Cartas, Máximas E Sentenças
This collection of writings offers a profound exploration of the philosophical teachings centered on the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of wisdom and the understanding of nature. It emphasizes the importance of seeking pleasure in moderation, advocating for a life free from unnecessary desires and fears, particularly the fear of death. Through a series of letters, maxims, and sentences, the text provides insights into achieving tranquility and contentment by living a simple life, valuing friendship, and embracing rational thought as a means to attain inner peace.
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4. Letters And Sayings Of Epicurus
A concise compilation of practical teachings that present a life guided by simple pleasures, prudent restraint, and the removal of fear, especially fear of gods and death; it outlines Epicurean ethics and natural philosophy—arguing that tranquility (ataraxia) and the absence of bodily pain are the highest goods, that desires should be classified and managed, and that knowledge arises from reliable sensations—while also emphasizing friendship, modest living, and rational choices to achieve a serene, self-sufficient life.
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5. Brief Over Het Geluk
A concise ethical guide arguing that the highest good is tranquility attained by pursuing natural, necessary pleasures and avoiding unnecessary desires and pains; it teaches that prudence and virtue are the means to long-term pleasure, that fear of gods and death is irrational because death is nothing to the living, and that understanding our true needs and limits—along with simple living and friendship—leads to a serene, happy life.
