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https://www.monticello.org/sit…fersons-religious-beliefs

After reading about Jefferson's beliefs (in the above article) I find it harder to take in his Epicurean perspectives. Would be curious if any one else has thoughts around this?

Regarding the fear that "non-Epicureans" will misperceive us, and will say to us: (Quote from Cassius) This idea is something that needs to be "unpacked"...the fear that others will see Epicureans as evil. And it means we have more work to do, since there is a clear moral understanding within Epicureanism, which is that causing harm to others will most often result in less pleasure for ourselves and for those we love, as well as much more pain in the long-term. And so we act according to ethical…

A further comment in regard to: (Quote from Cassius) A new definition of "evil": Evil is not only the harmful or hurtful act itself, but the "unreasonable" justification of the harm or injury by those commiting the act, and/or the unreasonable justification by those who are in the same tribe and/or who believe they benefit from the act.

(Quote from Matt) (Quote from Matt) The Epicurean philosophy is not to live by solely by nature's instincts but to use reason for the most pleasureable life: Principle Doctrine 5: "It is not possible to live joyously without also living wisely and beautifully and rightly, nor to live wisely and beautifully and rightly without living joyously; and whoever lacks this cannot live joyously." If civilization ended and cannibalism became the only way to survive, I can imagine that an Epicurean would s…

(Quote from smoothiekiwi) I have read some studies on climate change which suggest by 2040 some major changes will begin to challenge civilization. Some hedonic choices will need to be made regarding where to live as climate change kicks in...as some places might become too uncomfortable (heat/humidity) or too dangerous due to floods/wild fires. Civilization will continue as long as modern agriculture and infrastructure can keep up with the changing climate. But I think it will be important to k…