Epicurus

Epicurus lived from 341-270 B.C. He was the founder of one of the major philosophies of Ancient Greece. Do to this new philosophy; foundations were laid for modern science and secular individualism. Even today, many of the same things he taught are still being taught. In his philosophy, he used physics that were based on an atomistic materialism.(source)

Epicurus was born in Samos, Greece. Though he was born to Samos, he spent much of his time in Athens. There, he established his own school. While in Athens, Epicurus and a friend often talked of philosophical ideas, but do to this they also ignored being active and social.(source1, source2)

“Epicurus whole-heartedly adopted the atomism of Leucippus and Democritus, maintaining that all objects and events—including human lives—are in reality nothing more than physical interactions among minute indestructible particles. As they fall toward the center of the earth, atoms swerve from their paths to collide with each other and form temporary compound beings. There is no necessity {Gk. anagkh [anankê]} about any of this, of course; everything happens purely by chance.” (source)

"It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly. And it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life.” Epicurus.(source)

What Epicurus is saying in this quote is that in order for someone to live well, they must live wise, but what it is also saying is that having too much knowledge of everything can not only ruin your life but make you miserable. For example, people who think they know everything are not fun for others to be around. But, those who are still open to learn, are also pleasant to be around.(source1, source2)


Book 1
Book 2

The Odyssey

Homer was A Greek poet who was fortunate enough to write the great epics, the Iliad, which was the story of the siege of Troy, and the Odyssey, the story of Ulysses's wanderings. There have been many arguments over whether or not his work was in fact by him or his followers. “There seems little doubt that the works were originally based on current ballads which were much modified and extended. Of the true Homer, nothing is positively known. The so-called Homeric hymns are certainly of a later age.”(source1, source2)

In the tenth year of the Trojan War, the Greeks tricked the enemy into bringing a wooden horse inside their walls. The Trojans had no idea that the Greeks had hidden soldiers inside the horse, under Odysseus’ command.(source)

That night they came out and opened the city gates for the Greek army. They destroyed Troy. After that, Odysseus and the other Greeks to returned to their kingdom across the sea. This is where the Odyssey comes from, as written by Homer. He was inspired by this glorious battle.(source1, source2)

The Odyssey was written after the Iliad. The Odyssey told of the wanderings of a well distinguished warrior and ruler, Odysseus. Odysseus fought in the Trojan War and, after the Greeks won their victory at Troy, he began his journey home.(source)

During his travels, Odysseus went through many obstacles in which he had to overcome. During his wanderings, Odysseus had to prove his valor, intellect, and determination. In The Odyssey are many current-day characteristics of human behavior including constant dependence on others, the presence of a greater vision and the essence of a sensitive side behind courage and pride.(source)


Book 1
Book 2