Epicureanism, a philosophy founded by Epicurus, emphasizes practicality and the pursuit of pleasure to lead a good life. Epicurus believed that philosophy should alleviate anxiety and enhance well-being. Central to Epicureanism is the idea that pleasure is the ultimate good, and pain is to be avoided. However, this pleasure-centric approach is not about indulgence but about selecting pleasures wisely to live a satisfying and fulfilling life, free from unnecessary anxieties.
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.)