Emily Austin, a philosophy professor, explores Epicureanism's pursuit of pleasure for a fulfilling life. Topics include debunking hedonism misconceptions, balancing pleasure and discomfort, necessary vs. extravagant desires, and finding joy in simple pleasures and friendships. Learn about embracing discomfort for amplified joy, the role of virtues in happiness, and the importance of memories and friendships for a joyful existence.
Epicureans prioritize modest pleasure for happiness through prudently selected pleasures.
Embracing a degree of masochism cleverly adapts to inevitable suffering in Epicureanism.
Friendship and connection are crucial for happiness and well-being in Epicurean philosophy.
Deep dives
Epicurean Philosophy and Ataraxia
Epicureans focus on achieving Ataraxia, which is serene contentment devoid of anxiety. Contrary to misconceptions, Epicureans prioritize modest pleasure and the pursuit of happiness through prudently selected pleasures. Ataraxia, akin to the summer vibe, embodies the desired state of mind in Epicurean philosophy for overall well-being and contentment.
Balancing Pleasure and Pain
Balancing pleasure and pain is central in Epicureanism, where a certain level of discomfort resets the hedonic set point and enhances the availability of pleasure. The podcast delves into the clever adaptation to inevitable suffering by embracing a degree of masochism. It contrasts the celebration of masochism with the unhealthy promotion of suffering as virtuous for potential rewards in the afterlife.
Friendship, Pleasure, and Human connection
Epicurus emphasizes the importance of friendship and connection, believing that friends play a crucial role in happiness and well-being. The podcast elaborates on the significance of mutual trust, shared values, and communal joy in fostering stable and enriching friendships. Epicurean beliefs on selecting friends based on reliability and shared joy align with modern views on the importance of healthy relationships for overall contentment.
The Dangers of Excessive Desires and Greed
Focusing on the corrosive nature of desires beyond what is truly needed, the podcast highlights how insatiable greed can lead to dissatisfaction and alienation from essential aspects of life. Epicurus suggests limiting these desires to what is necessary to avoid perpetual dissatisfaction stemming from unattainable cravings, contrasting this philosophy with the prevalent celebration of greed in modern American culture.
Embracing Tranquility and Meaningful Memories
Epicurus emphasizes the significance of maintaining a sense of tranquility by valuing essential desires like food, shelter, and friendship, which he believes bring genuine joy and pleasure. By prioritizing genuine experiences over endless desires, individuals can cultivate a sense of contentment and joy in their daily lives. Additionally, building a treasury of joyful memories aids in facing misfortune and finding solace in past moments of happiness, fostering a foundation for sustained well-being.
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.)
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
