EpicureanFriends - Classical Epicurean Philosophy

Epicurus Defies Religion - Lucretius Quote

Here The Highest Good Is Pleasure — And Nothing Else

Not virtue. Not tranquility. Not "absence of pain" treated as some separate, higher category. Pleasure — all of it, bodily and mental alike — is the single, unified guide to a happy life, exactly as Epicurus taught it.

That puts EpicureanFriends at odds with much modern writing on Epicurus, which treats him as a proto-Stoic or proto-Buddhist: a philosopher of moderation and the quiet avoidance of pain. This site rejects that reading, along with the Stoic, Skeptic, supernatural-religious, and humanist overlays that have distorted his actual teaching for two thousand years. Read why in Against Katastematic Supremacy: Pleasure Is a Unified Good, Not a House Divided Against Itself.

If that sounds like a team worth being on, you're in the right place.

Featured Content:

Community Standards, Participation Levels, and Posting Policies

On Pain, Pleasure, And Happiness

25 Mind Viruses Cured By Epicurean Philosophy

The Major Doctrines of Classical Epicurean Philosophy

Are You On Team Epicurus?

Attend Our Zoom Meetings

Not A Member But Like To Ask A Question? Ask The Epicureans Here

Basic Rules: Not Neo-Epicurean, But Epicurean - And No Politics / No Supernatural Religion

Not Neo-Epicurean, But Epicurean
  1. Not "flourishing," "human potential," "self-actualization," or "meaningfulness," but happiness grounded in the feeling of pleasure.
  2. Not "absence of pain" as a full statement of the goal of life, but "the Feelings are two, pleasure and pain" and "Pleasure is the beginning and the end of a happy life."
  3. Not virtue for the sake of virtue, but virtue as instrumental for the attainment of pleasure.
  4. Not "the greatest good for the greatest number," but "Every desire must be confronted with this question: What will happen to me if the object of my desire is accomplished and what if it is not?"
  5. Not "humanism," "transhumanism," "individualism," "collectivism," "egoism," "altruism," "social progress," "Marxism," "democracy," "tyranny," or any "one size fits all" political ideal of any kind, but social structure based on friendship which "is formed and maintained by means of a community of life among those who have reached the fullness of pleasure."
  6. Not "hard determinism," but "some things happen from necessity, some from chance, and others through our own choice."
  7. Not "supernaturalism," but "materialism."
  8. Not "supernatural gods," or "life after death," but confidence in a fully material universe and "for those men for whom wisdom is possible, such men may truly live as gods."
  9. Not only "short term hedonism," but "it is to continuous pleasures that I invite you."
  10. Not "rationalism," but "all reason is dependent upon sensations."
  11. Not fearful of death nor careless of losing life, but valuing life for the opportunity of pleasure it brings.
Our Posting Policy At EpicureanFriends.com

"No Partisan Politics," "No Supernatural Religion," and "No Absolute Virtue"

This forum is dedicated to promoting the philosophy of Epicurus, and not to any partisan political positions whether "left," "right," or "center." The task of rediscovering Epicurean philosophy requires that such discussions be held elsewhere. Posts violating this rule are subject to removal.

Epicurean philosophy firmly rejects the viewpoint that there are any supernatural forces or absolute virtues or Platonic ideals of any kind. Argument which is based on supernatural claims, or "absolute" virtues or ideals of any kind, are in violation of this rule and subject to removal.

Epicurean Philosophy Map

Epicurean Philosophy

Physics ＋ Canonics ⟶ Ethics

Core Texts: Diogenes Laertius | Lucretius | Torquatus | Velleius | Topical Outline

⚛ Physics: The Nature of the Universe

⚛ Nothing Comes From Nothing or Goes To Nothing Supernaturally. Everything Happens Naturally From The Motion of Atoms Through Space. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
⚛ The Universe Is Infinite In Size And Eternal In Time And Has No Gods Over It. There Is No Supernatural Design Or Existence Outside Of Nature. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
⚛ True Divinity Is Incorruptible And Blessed. Beings Which Are Divine Do Not Reward Friends And Punish Enemies Or Intervene In Human Affairs. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
⚛ Death Is Nothing To Us. When We Die We Cease To Exist. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
⚛ There Is No Necessity To Live Under the Control of Necessity. There Is No Fate Or Destiny - We Decide How We Live. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |

📐 Canonics: How To Know What Is True

📐 He Who Says Nothing Can Be Known Knows Nothing. Knowledge Of Reality Is Possible. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
📐 All Sensations Are True. Error Is In The Mind And Not The Senses. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
📐 The Criteria of Truth Are The Sensations, Anticipations, and Feelings. These Natural Faculties Connect Us With Reality. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
📐 Dialectical Logic And Radical Skepticism Do Not Determine Truth. Reasoning Must Be Grounded In The Perceptions Of Our Natural Faculties. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
📐 Platonic Ideal Forms, Aristotelian Essences, And Divine Revelation Do Not Exist. All Truth Exists In This World. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |

🌿 Ethics: How To Live

🌿 Happiness Is the Goal of Life. A Life Of Happiness Is A Life In Which Pleasure Predominates Over Pain. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
🌿 Pleasure Is the Guide, Beginning, And End Of The Happy Life. Pleasure Includes Not Just Bodily Stimulation But All Mental And Physical Experience We Find To Be Agreeable. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
🌿 The Term "Pleasure" Is The Exact Equivalent Of "Absence of Pain." All Experiences Of Life Are Either Pleasurable Or Painful, With No Middle Ground, So The Presence Of One Means The Absence Of The Other. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
🌿 Virtue Is Not Absolute Or An End In Itself. There Is Nothing Good But Pleasure And Nothing Evil But Pain. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |
🌿 Life Is Desirable, But Unlimited Time Contains No Greater Pleasure Than Limited Time. A Life Full Of Pleasure Can Never Be More Than Full No Matter How Much Time Is Available. | Reference | Quotations | Discussion | Podcast |

Latest Blog Articles

Featured New
Kalosyni's Epicurean Philosophy Blog
Reflections on Five Years on the EpicureanFriends Forum

Today is my five year anniversary on the forum, and here are some thoughts and reflections.

My interest in Epicurean philosophy began five…


Read More

Kalosyni
August 6, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Like 2
2

Featured Blog Articles

Featured
Elli's Blog - Articles By Elli Pensa And Other Friends of Epicurus in Greece
The Letter of Epicurus to His Mother

Diogenes of Oinoanda (fr. 125–126) – Free rendering

Mother, concerning everything that troubles you, I want you to form clear and confident thoughts. The images we…


Read More

Elli
June 19, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Love 3
0
Featured
Cassius' Blog
[…]

Is The "Emphasis" In Epicurean Philosophy On Relief From Pain?

In a separate article I have made the case that it is a major rhetorical and factual mistake to describe Epicurean philosophy as…


Read More

Cassius
June 5, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Thanks 1
Featured
Elli's Blog - Articles By Elli Pensa And Other Friends of Epicurus in Greece
The Uncertainty of Science and the Certainty of Faith

By Dimitris Altas, cardiologist and member of the Analysis and Experiential Application Team of Epicurean Philosophy Today [(…


Read More

Elli
May 24, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Love 2
3
Featured
Elli's Blog - Articles By Elli Pensa And Other Friends of Epicurus in Greece
"Epicurean Philosophy and the Deception of Modern Globalist Ideologues", by Elli Pensa



When you write a book and reference Epicurean philosophy as if it were nothing more than…“stones, bricks,…


Read More

Elli
May 4, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Like 3
0
Latest Videos - Epicurean Friends

Featured Videos

Welcome To Classical Epicurean Philosophy

An introduction to the core principles of Epicurean philosophy, exploring the ancient wisdom of Epicurus and its relevance to modern life.

In Defense of Epicurus

Cicero's "Torquatus" explains and defends Epicurean philosophy.

The True Nature of Divinity

Cicero's "Velleius" argues against supernatural gods and explains Epicurus' views of true divinity.

The Epicurean Paradigm Shift

Essential concepts to understand when reading Epicurus for the first time. Learn about the paradigm shift in thinking that Epicurean philosophy represents.

Interview: Dr. Emily Austin - "Living For Pleasure - An Epicurean Guide To Life"

Lucretius Today interviews Dr. Emily Austin to discuss her recent book, which is one of the best introductions to Epicurus available anywhere.

Interview: Dr. Marcelo Boeri - "Theory and Practice In Epicurean Political Philosophy"

Lucretius Today interviews Dr. Marcelo Boeri, co-author of a book on practical applications of Epicurean political theory.

Interview: Dr. David Glidden - "Epicurean Prolepsis"

Lucretius Today interviews Dr. David Glidden author of the article "Epicurean Prolepsis."

Featured Articles

On Pain, Pleasure, And Happiness

Brief: The feelings are only two, pleasure and pain—there is no third state such as neutral, and there are no “fancy pleasures” which are different from regular pleasures. Because there is no neutral, reducing pain in life is only possible if there is a corresponding increase in pleasure. The extent of pleasure can be maximized by making sure to attend to all parts of one’s body, including the brain. Happiness is comprised of a pleasurable life. The capacity for pain is a valuable warning system and should not be disabled except in unusual conditions. The experience of pain is to be avoided except when it is chosen for the sake of greater pleasure/ lesser pain over the lifespan. Humans have many shared responses of pain or pleasure to specific experiences, and they also have individual variations. The standard of pleasure in one’s life must be one’s own subjective feelings, not a generic advice. There are many pitfalls to avoid if one desires a happy, pleasure-filled life, such as a false belief in a neutral state, practices which attempt to disable the normal capacity to feel pleasure and pain, and failure to consider the long-term pains and pleasures resulting from actions. In discussing pain and pleasure, Epicureans stick to real life situations, not hypothetical philosophical puzzles.
Elayne
July 15, 2019 at 2:18 PM
Like 3

A Gate To Be Burst: "Absence of Pain"

It is interesting to think about what Lucretius had in mind in Book One of “On The Nature of Things” when he spoke about Epicurus "yearning to be the first to burst through the close-set bolts upon the gates of nature." What kind of gates was he talking about? Who bolted them? How do those gates keep us from Nature?

I can't be sure which gates Lucretius had in mind, but I can suggest one "gate" that is particularly in need of bursting, as it stands directly in the way of a better understanding…
Cassius
February 12, 2024 at 1:26 PM
1
Quick Links:

View Our Featured Videos

Consult Our Wiki

Read Our Articles

Read our Blog Posts

Check Our Forums, Threads, And Latest Posts

Test Your Knowledge of Epicurus In Our Quiz Section

Read Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Listen To The Lucretius Today Podcast

Read Lucretius, The Letters of Epicurus, And Other Epicurean Texts

Roadmap For Future Articles and Projects

Things To Do To Get Started At EpicureanFriends

Getting Started With EpicureanFriends:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Fundamentals

2. Read Our Forum

It is not necessary to have an account in order to read our forums. We recommend everyone browse the forums before requesting an account.

3. Read Our Collection of Core Epicurean Texts

4. Listen to the Lucretius Today Podcast

5. Check Out Our Wiki and FAQ Pages

6. View Our Gallery and Videos

7. Check Out Our Special Resources

8. Read Our Recommended Books

9. Get More Involved by Registering for an Account

For those who are sincerely interested in the study of Epicurus and pursuing Classical Epicurean Philosophy, and who wish to collaborate with the EpicureanFriends community, we welcome you to register an account. Upon registration you will be given "Introductory Member" basic level access. Before you register, please be sure to read our foundational documents:

To Create An Account Click Here

10. Try Our Member Activities (requires account registration)

11. Think You May Have Missed Something?

Check our Site Map for a listing of all major sections of this site. If you have questions, feel free to ask any member of our Moderator Team.

A Final Word

Never allow yourself to get so "deep in the weeds" that you lose sight of the fundamental Epicurean truths: that there are no supernatural gods, and that there is no life after death. Many of the doctrines and sayings of Epicurus are very deep, and the fragmentary nature of some of the texts sometimes leaves us uncertain of the details Epicurus taught. Whenever you find yourself frustrated that you don't know everything Epicurus had to say, recall his advice to Herodotus:

"For we have frequent need of the general view, but not so often of the detailed exposition. Indeed it is necessary to go back on the main principles, and constantly to fix in one's memory enough to give one the most essential comprehension of the truth."

You don't always need the details — you need an understanding of the big picture, and you can always return to it through our Classical Epicurean Philosophy and Foundations of Epicurean Philosophy pages.