Posts by philknecht44

Thank you for the reference to Lucretius, book 6.

Hmmmm. Language can pose difficulties in understanding, especially using abstractions that change meanings depending who's using the terms. I think that's why Epicurus had little use for philosophies that wander away from natural realities that impinge on all alike. The medieval anonymous author who wrote "The Cloud of Unknowing" speaks paradoxically of God as being loved but not thought. The moment descriptions or ascriptions come into play about God, no longer is the subject or the object "God" but rather some ideology, some abstraction. Myself, and a close friend, commonly use (...) for the felt impingement of what religionists call God. This may be silly or perhaps private, meaningless in the public square but full of sensation internally (a broadening smile, tears of sadness or joy, a sense of "Presence"). The means of communicating (...) are acts of kindness, caring, helpfulness, friendship. My understanding of friendship in the way of Epicurus is a mutuality, some quid pro quo, trust, nurture, support, guidance, cultivation as a prime goal in life. What I wonder is would Epicurus have regarded the sense of awe, wonder, mystery as a humbling experience that helps a person avoid the attraction to vanities and socially tantalizing addictions--undue wealth, power, influence? Seems to me that Epicurus would have counseled one to utilize those wholesome virtues of fairness, kindness, helpfulness, while discarding the judgmental trappings of religion. The shift from a metaphysical framework for living, in which I grew up, to a profoundly naturalistic framework, as I understand Epicurean thought and practice, is life changing. I feel like such a beginner.