Varieties Of Epicureanism
This continues entry 442.
Epicurus lived about 2300 years ago. He and his writings were a product of his epoch, valid under the circumstances of his own times He developed a philosophy, that included a compilation of his view on topics of natural science and suggestions for a form of live. He and some companions lived in a garden community in accordance.
There are several variations of being an Epicurean in our times:
1. Theoretical Epicureanism
His writings can be studied as an example of the history of science and thinking as a theoretical interest without any practical purpose or application. The exegesis and the literal meaning of his texts are important.
2. Epicureanism as a cult.
His writings promise some form of a good life. Depending on general inclinations, some people perceive him as a flawless, never erring guru of absolute and timeless wisdom. They put him upon a pedestal and prostrate mentally in front of him as his disciples. They take the submissive role of veneration and reverence. They take his writings literally, any interpretation is considered as a sacrilege.
3. Modernized psychological Epicureanism.
This requires the clear awareness of his writings as having been progressive and valid concerning science only in the context of his own times. Any non-historical interest in his explanation of nature is obsolete.
His suggestions for a good life are critically evaluated as reactions to the specific circumstances of his epoch. Nothing can be automatically applied to modern living conditions. None of his suggestions can be adapted without reevaluating it from the perspective of our epoch, taking into account evolutionary biology, psychology, neuroscience, introspection, tit-for-tat strategy, apistia, egalitarianism, history and modern technology.
4. Innate Epicureanism
Some people have a brain predestined to feel most comfortable with a way of life that is congruent with Epicurus' principles. People with such a brain are guided by the timeless essence of his writings, even if they have never heard of Epicurus. Anybody, who has this kind of a brain, is attracted to his suggested life style.
This continues entry 442.
Epicurus lived about 2300 years ago. He and his writings were a product of his epoch, valid under the circumstances of his own times He developed a philosophy, that included a compilation of his view on topics of natural science and suggestions for a form of live. He and some companions lived in a garden community in accordance.
There are several variations of being an Epicurean in our times:
1. Theoretical Epicureanism
His writings can be studied as an example of the history of science and thinking as a theoretical interest without any practical purpose or application. The exegesis and the literal meaning of his texts are important.
2. Epicureanism as a cult.
His writings promise some form of a good life. Depending on general inclinations, some people perceive him as a flawless, never erring guru of absolute and timeless wisdom. They put him upon a pedestal and prostrate mentally in front of him as his disciples. They take the submissive role of veneration and reverence. They take his writings literally, any interpretation is considered as a sacrilege.
3. Modernized psychological Epicureanism.
This requires the clear awareness of his writings as having been progressive and valid concerning science only in the context of his own times. Any non-historical interest in his explanation of nature is obsolete.
His suggestions for a good life are critically evaluated as reactions to the specific circumstances of his epoch. Nothing can be automatically applied to modern living conditions. None of his suggestions can be adapted without reevaluating it from the perspective of our epoch, taking into account evolutionary biology, psychology, neuroscience, introspection, tit-for-tat strategy, apistia, egalitarianism, history and modern technology.
4. Innate Epicureanism
Some people have a brain predestined to feel most comfortable with a way of life that is congruent with Epicurus' principles. People with such a brain are guided by the timeless essence of his writings, even if they have never heard of Epicurus. Anybody, who has this kind of a brain, is attracted to his suggested life style.
- The principle of not harming and not be harmed. Valuing homeostasis more than pleasure.
- Rational self-control is stronger than instinctive urges.
- Apistia.
- The predominance of non-physical, emotional responsiveness and sensitivity of the pleasure center.
Epicurus had such a brain, therefore he was able to develop his ideas, suggestions and attitudes in the specific form influenced by the circumstances of his times. Would he live today, his writings would be different, but the essence would be the same.
I have such a brain myself and I discovered the principles of Epicurus as fitting my own inclinations. Only later I got fascinated by adapting, what he had written himself, to modern life. It is a creative task to figure out, what he would write, were he to live today.
I have such a brain myself and I discovered the principles of Epicurus as fitting my own inclinations. Only later I got fascinated by adapting, what he had written himself, to modern life. It is a creative task to figure out, what he would write, were he to live today.
