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