Epicureanism: Freedom From Our Anxiety

    We will discuss the human condition and how taking ideas from Epicureanism can alleviate us from our modern stresses (anxieties). Epicurus believed that to free us from our stresses we must be happy with what we have. In many ways Epicureanism follows similar principles of Environmentalism (i.e. Scaling back what we consume or more specifically being content with less). Epicurus advocates gaining knowledge of the world around us and living in accordance with nature. Environmentally, “just 100 companies are responsible for global emissions” and the “U.S. Military is a bigger polluter than 140 countries combined” so while it’s not logistical to think that one persons or even a group of peoples choices will be effective in combatting climate change, I believe living an epicurean lifestyle may alleviate your own stresses about it and lead you to align with environmentally conscious ideas and a more sustainable life for you ( i.e. being being content with less and my idea which we’ll discuss tomorrow). Climate change stress isn’t the only “new stress” modern life presents us with. Studies show that although we are more socially connected than ever, were also lonelier than ever. Epicurean ideals of valuing friendships may be an answer to this problem. It’s no question the world has evolved to be more peaceful and equal than in the past. We see fewer wars and the abolition of things like slavery and serfdom or the progression of civil and economic rights around the world, yet still many of us struggle to find our place in life. Often held back by socio economic conditions, high inflation, the opioid and other drug epidemics, defunding of education, high tuition, wealth inequality and corrupt lobbying in government and other modern problems. A common trend I see with myself and others is finding meaning in our work and in our lives, I feel society places a lot of focus on going to school and making lots of money instead of placing focus on the passion we put into our work or the meaning behind it. It seems to pit what we want to do against what we have to do, or what we think society requires of us. Epicurean ideology supported working on projects that make you happy and often contributes to something that you care about. In modern society this could be finding a job that allows financial stability while also allowing you to work on something your passionate about or working for yourself. In epicurean communes this work often aligned with contributing to the community (cooking, art, etc). Do you have a job that provides you with meaning doing something that you care about? Or do you feel you are just working to survive and get a paycheck? Can we do both or do we have to actually live on a commune?

    In modern society things are more complex and the idea of work and living a meaningful life is much more subjective and convoluted. Is the industrialized worker contributing to society with meaning simply because capitalist idealism requires it or because he loves his job? Does he feel he’s contributing to a meaningful society, or would he feel it is meaningless and that we can live without much of what we have created today. Would he run away to work for himself if he could? I think Epicurus would say stop, work for yourself, do what you love! The problem is that many do not have that option and are inundated with bills, high tuition costs, inflation with flattened wages and more, behind all of this and many more modern problems many of us see anxiety. So while I think Epicureanism may hold answers to these anxieties and issues and would love to live on a commune, the real question is how can one apply them without “falling behind” in society, I.e. Affording food, getting an education, being disconnected from trends and other socially impactful events, having a place to live and more time for friends. Do we have to give up attachments? Is it saving money and working hard to afford a sustainable life off the grid,  is it being content in a low income apartment eating simple meals and working a low paying job, or is it living and sharing responsibility with friends to free some of your stresses, but not all? Are there more ways? What do you think would be the best path to a simple life free of anxiety and pain? Let’s discuss it. 

Discussion Questions:

How might Epicureanism look in modern times?

How can someone live an Epicurean Lifestyle if they have social anxiety?