General Analysis of Risk Aversion

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    In a nearby thread we have discussed the analysis of space travel from the Epicurean point of view (Would Epicurus embrace going to the moon).

    That's a very good specific example and might be all that's needed, but I am setting this thread up as a place to unify other examples of how to analyze risks vs reward and state the Epicurean attitude toward risk aversion more directly.

    So to discuss the general issue of risk aversion outside of the specific space travel hypothetical, please post in this thread.

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    RE: What would Epicurus have thought of going to the moon?

    One thing I'd add is that if we go by the list in the principal doctrines , only the concept of there being no supernatural gods comes before the doctrine that "you only live once." (And even the absence of supernatural gods is directly related to living only once and for a short period.)

    In my first answer I focused on everyone having different personal tastes and preferences in life. We have a limited amount of time to pursue what we find to be most pleasurable, and I don't see how it makes…
    Cassius
    April 12, 2026 at 6:06 AM

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