Posts by Kalosyni

Hi Everyone!

On the first Monday of each month, is our "meet-and-greet" and Epicurean philosophy discussion - open to all forum members!

How to attend: Please let us know if you are interested in attending by posting here in this thread, in your welcome thread, or messaging Cassius or Kalosyni. You will then be added to our private group message with the link. (Level 01 members must first be approved by the moderator team).

Previous attendees will automatically receive the link via private message (no need to RSVP). If you have been absent from the forum for more than six months, please let us know so we can add you back into the private group message.

We will send out the link and a reminder about the meeting on the day before.

Our monthly agenda:

• Round the table greetings.
• Discussion on an Epicurean philosophy discussion topic, popular forum threads, and the Lucretius Today Podcast - we will go round the table giving everyone an opportunity for participation.
• Time for answering any questions about the forum or Epicurean philosophy.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Quote from Rolf

When I'm in a "neutral state" - not sick, injured, etc. - and I focus on my body's senses, I pretty much always notice some kind of ache, tenseness, stomach pain, itchiness, or some other uncomfortable feeling that I'm generally able to ignore when I'm not not fixating on it.

This reminds me that it does take work to tune into pleasure (I myself need to put more effort into it).

Have you tried observing the feeling that comes up when you come home from work and then finally sit (flop down) down onto a couch...ahhh what a relief.

Or...on a cold morning jumping into a nice warm shower...ahhh how good the warmth is.

Or...going for a jog and feeling a bit of a runner's high...or a brisk walk feeling the body breathing smoothly and functioning well.

As for sitting still and feeling pleasure, that takes work, and Buddhist meditation is a good way to find it (also it depends on the teacher and type of meditation) -- There isn't any evidence that Epicureans did meditation (but Torquatus explains the meaning of Cryssypus' hand which could be seen as very similar to meditation - I'll look for that thread and edit in the link when i find it).

There is a lot of good stuff here is this thread - I'll need to re-read. (I've struggled with these ideas myself.)

It almost seems that "satisfaction" is the goal...

---> satisfaction which arises with the removal of pain

---> satisfaction which arises from easy pleasures that are not harmful or cause bad consequences

---> satisfaction with the types of pleasures that are available (through-out a given day it is mostly mental pleasures, with a few moments of pleasurable bodily sensations).

Happy Birthday AxA !

Quote from Robert

Habitual attachment to an unnecessary pleasure creates mental turmoil (and sometimes unpleasant bodily sensations as well, aka withdrawal symptoms).

Coffee...since it is easy to get and make at home, and just one-and-a-half cups a day in the morning feels like it creates mental sharpness for me. The caffeine addiction doesn't cause any mental turmoil.

So it is really depends on whether or not there are any bad consequences, and whether or not it is easy to get (and not expensive so that it does not deplete one's funds).

Welcome to the forum Karim !

You may like this video overview presentation by Cassius which covers 11 key concepts (if you haven't already seen it):

Amazing work and the sheer number of pieces is also amazing! Bryan!

Interestingly I notice there are two square rings in one of the photos in which the greyish-white looks like moonstone, and the yellow one looks like amber, which is very nice!

Another idea...

This came to me after seeing @Eikadistes recent t-shirt design.

I used Grok to help create a decluttering system:

My prompt:

Create a decluttering method that is based on the following values: 1) household item, 2) beautiful item, 3) status item, 4) entertainment, hobbie or sport. Also include the following categories: use everyday, use once a month, somewhat likely to use sometime this year, highly unlikely to ever use again.

Grok's reply (everything that follows it Grok's reply):

Below is a decluttering method tailored to your specified values and categories. This method, called the Value-Based Decluttering System, helps you evaluate household items based on their purpose and usage frequency to make informed decisions about keeping, donating, or discarding them.

Value-Based Decluttering System

Step 1: Define the Values

Each item in your home will be evaluated based on one of these four values:

1. Household Item: Items essential for daily living (e.g., kitchen tools, bedding, cleaning supplies).
2. Beautiful Item: Items that bring aesthetic joy or enhance your space (e.g., artwork, decorative vases).
3. Status Item: Items that signal prestige, achievement, or social standing (e.g., designer clothing, luxury goods).
4. Entertainment, Hobby, or Sport: Items used for leisure, recreation, or personal passions (e.g., books, sports equipment, crafting supplies).

Step 2: Categorize by Usage Frequency

For each item, determine how often you use it or are likely to use it:

1. Use Everyday: Items you rely on daily or almost daily (e.g., toothbrush, coffee maker).
2. Use Once a Month: Items used regularly but not daily (e.g., vacuum cleaner, specialty cookware).
3. Somewhat Likely to Use Sometime This Year: Items you might use within the next 12 months (e.g., seasonal decorations, camping gear).
4. Highly Unlikely to Ever Use Again: Items you haven’t used in years and don’t foresee using (e.g., outdated electronics, old textbooks).

Step 3: Decluttering Process

1. Gather Items: Start with one area of your home (e.g., a room, closet, or drawer). Pull out all items to evaluate them.
2. Sort by Value: Assign each item to one of the four value categories (Household, Beautiful, Status, Entertainment/Hobby/Sport). If an item fits multiple values, choose the primary one based on why you keep it.
3. Assign Usage Frequency: For each item, determine its usage category (Everyday, Monthly, Yearly, Unlikely).
4. Apply the Decision Matrix: Use the following guidelines to decide whether to keep, store, donate, sell, or discard each item:
   • Household Items:
     • Everyday: Keep in an easily accessible location.
     • Monthly: Store in a convenient but less immediate spot (e.g., a pantry or closet).
     • Yearly: Store in a labeled, less accessible area (e.g., attic, garage).
     • Unlikely: Donate or discard unless it’s irreplaceable (e.g., emergency tools).
   • Beautiful Items:
     • Everyday: Display prominently if it brings daily joy.
     • Monthly: Rotate seasonally or store for occasional display.
     • Yearly: Store carefully for special occasions or reconsider keeping if it’s rarely enjoyed.
     • Unlikely: Donate, sell, or gift to someone who will appreciate it.
   • Status Items:
     • Everyday: Keep only if actively used and aligned with your current lifestyle.
     • Monthly: Store carefully (e.g., designer bags in dust covers) and reassess annually.
     • Yearly: Consider selling or donating if the item no longer reflects your values.
     • Unlikely: Sell or donate; status items lose value if unused.
   • Entertainment, Hobby, or Sport:
     • Everyday: Keep accessible in dedicated hobby spaces.
     • Monthly: Store in an organized, labeled area for easy access.
     • Yearly: Store in a labeled container and set a deadline (e.g., use within 12 months or donate).
     • Unlikely: Donate or sell, especially if the hobby or sport is no longer active.
5. Organize and Act:
   • Keep: Organize kept items by value and frequency, ensuring everyday items are most accessible.
   • Store: Use labeled bins or containers for monthly and yearly items, noting their value category.
   • Donate/Sell: Box up items for donation or list them for sale within a week to avoid procrastination.
   • Discard: Recycle or trash items that are broken or unusable.
6. Review Periodically: Revisit your system every 6–12 months to reassess yearly and unlikely items, ensuring your space reflects your current needs and values.

Step 4: Tips for Success

• Start Small: Begin with one drawer or shelf to build momentum.
• Ask Key Questions: For each item, ask, “Does this align with my current values?” and “When did I last use this?”
• Limit Sentimental Items: For items that don’t fit the four values but hold emotional weight, limit to one small, labeled “memory box.”
• Track Progress: Keep a log of donated or sold items to feel accomplished and motivated.
• Involve Others: If decluttering a shared space, discuss values and usage with household members to align decisions.

Example Application

Item: A designer handbag

• Value: Status Item
• Usage: Somewhat Likely to Use This Year (used for special events)
• Decision: Store carefully in a dust bag and reassess next year. If unused by then, consider selling.

Item: A set of watercolor paints

• Value: Entertainment/Hobby
• Usage: Highly Unlikely to Ever Use Again (haven’t painted in years)
• Decision: Donate to a local art program or school.

Item: A coffee maker

• Value: Household Item
• Usage: Use Everyday
• Decision: Keep on the kitchen counter for easy access.

This method ensures your decluttering decisions align with your values and practical needs, creating a space that’s functional, beautiful, and meaningful. Let me know if you’d like a checklist, worksheet, or further customization!

***********************

*Edit: My own personal definition of "status item" is any jewelry or fancy clothing (I don't own designer items).

Quote from Godfrey

Our key takeaway was to ask the question "does this bring me joy?" of each item being considered.

For some reason that particular decluttering prompt doesn't really work for me (likely multiple reasons why).

I often feel like I have collected too much stuff, and a lot of my time goes into organizing it. Plus when things get messy (meaning that I haven't put everything away properly) then I feel a slight sense of stress because it is yet another thing on my to do list.

I put this question into Google: "Why am I torn between wanting to become a minimalist and aquiring more stuff?" ...and got this result, which was very helpful. (Read these two snapshot images if you are interested).

Here's an idea... the material realm originating in atoms can naturally evolve as humans, to live as blissfully as the gods (who are themselves composed only of a type of material matter) .

Again, reasoning through things, regarding beer...which contains alcohol...and so wouldn't be considered healthy. (see article excerpt below).

But perhaps once a month or less, or according to each person's choice and avoidance, and if you have a strong enough liver (as people age the liver isn't functioning as well.)

I personally have decided that I won't drink alcohol unless it is a very special occasion (such as a wedding).

Plus it's important to be sure to eat some food when drinking alcohol so that the absorption is slowed down.

Quote

As explained in this article, alcohol metabolism also results in the generation of acetaldehyde, a highly reactive and toxic byproduct that may contribute to tissue damage, the formation ofdamaging molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a change in the reduction–oxidation (or redox) state of liver cells. Chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol metabolism are strongly linked to several pathological consequences and tissue damage.

Source

Quote from Cassius

Sometimes the soda, beer, etc., is in fact the most pleasant option and worthy of being chosen.

It's all about reasoning through things.

Soda (as in any drink sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or sugar) is one of the top things that causes tooth decay, as well as disruption of metabolic processes (leads to diabetes) - but once or twice in a year wouldn't hurt (like if you were visiting a friend and all they had to offer was soda and it seemed easier to just accept the soda rather than ask for water).

Now beer may end up being healthier than soda, but I'd have to research that

Quote from Rolf

Quote from Cassius

the first and second most important doctrines on the list are telling you to first and foremost watch out for those who would manipulate you with bad motives.

Which doctrines are you referring to?

Quote from Cassius

Rolf

PD01. The blessed and incorruptible nature knows no trouble itself, nor causes trouble to any other, so that it is never constrained by anger or favor. For all such things exist only in the weak. ^[1]

PD02. Death is nothing to us, for that which is dissolved is without sensation; and that which lacks sensation is nothing to us.

And to add to what Cassius said, more specifically referring to those who are trying to convert people to a religious viewpoint which holds that a God will judge you in the afterlife.

Quote from Cassius

Epicurean philosophy teaches you to immunize yourself against many impositions by giving you a basic orientation toward the universe that helps defeat those negative forces in life.

There are so many things that are part of common culture that have nothing to do with a living a pleasant, pleasurable, and "blessed-as-if-living-like-the-gods" life -- and they are all just "empty opinion" (I'm especially talking about what we buy, and what we think we should buy, based on what everyone else is doing - food, clothing, home decor, etc.

Quote from Robert

As 21st-century Epicureans, how do you integrate it into your daily life? Is there any particular structure or set of practices involved?

Robert that is an interesting question. For myself, it is reading/study (online or books) and contemplation of the ideas and how to apply them to my own life.

Perhaps @Eikadistes may have something to share in regard to that.

Post 89 above is set up as an anonymous poll. With the following question:

"What do you feel is the most important aspect of Epicurean philosophy?'

And, I think that this question would be important with regard to creating an Epicurean symbol.

Quote from Cassius

what individuals see as the most important aspects of Epicurean philosophy.

That sounds like a good poll question! (from post 88 above).

Epicurean philosophy says that the Universe has no beginning and no end.

Article excerpt:

"The current theory of how the Universe came into being can't explain the existence of the planets, stars and galaxies we see around us. Both teams are building detectors that study a sub-atomic particle called a neutrino in the hope of finding answers."

This article is about the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (Dune):

Scientists in race to discover why our Universe exists

Researchers in the US and Japan are competing to explain the existence of the planets, stars and galaxies.

www.bbc.com