Exploring the concepts of hedonism and the importance of virtues for a joyful life, with a focus on the resurgence of Greek philosophies like stoicism and Epicureanism. Contrasting the views of Stoicism and Epicureanism on happiness and the role of friendships, highlighting the impact of strong social connections on well-being and the timeless wisdom of choosing fulfilling relationships.
Over 2,000 years ago, Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, made a simple yet bold claim. The key to the good life, he said, is to pursue pleasure and avoid pain. Is it really that easy? To answer that question, we turn to Emily Austin, a professor of philosophy at Wake Forest and author of “Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life.”
(This episode first aired in January 2023.)