Inscribed on the ancient Temple of Apollo at Delphi were the Delphic Maxims.  

It's hard to imagine the wisdom and charisma of the philosopher Epicurus from his images carved in chipped stone statues. AI technology is one way to pull the man from his ancient texts and stone to reimagine and reintroduce Epicurean teaching to the modern world.  

Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher (341-270 BCE) who had a different view on what philosophy should be about. He taught that understanding the workings of the world and our place in it to help us overcome irrational fears (such as the fear of death and divine punishment), was the way to attain a calm, rational mind.

He was born 7 years after Plato's death and was 19 when Aristotle died, so their philosophies, though much talked about and debated, were still new. They believed philosophy was only for educated men who thought work was beneath them, to sit around and discuss endless theories about the meaning of life, morality and virtue.

Epicurus designed his philosophy be useful and accessible to everyone. He approached his teachings much like a physician—listening to people’s struggles, diagnosing the causes of their distress, and offering remedies to help them lead happier, less stressful lives. His goal was not abstract theory but real, actionable guidance for overcoming everyday challenges and suffering.

“Vain is the word of that philosopher which does not heal any suffering of man.” ― Epicurus

Epicurus proposed that the universe was infinite and made up of indivisible particles moving through empty space—an early concept of atoms predating modern physics. He rejected supernatural or superstitious explanations and embraced a naturalistic, materialistic view of the world. He believed nature, natural explanations—not gods—caused phenomena like lightning and volcanic eruptions. Epicurus also valued observation and direct sensory experiences over abstract reasoning. 

He taught that by demystifying the unknown, and questioning myths and flawed thought processes, we could gain clarity and proper perspective, appreciate life, foster better relationships, and enjoy simple pleasures free from anxiety--an approach that contrasted with god-centered philosophies.

 

Because Epicurus was serious about teaching the "common" people how to live a happier life, his establishment of ‘The Garden’ was revolutionary in its time because of its inclusiveness, welcoming men, women, and slaves. 

While the Garden fostered a communal lifestyle, individuals still maintained their occupations outside of it. Though communal property was not practiced, members were encouraged to avoid excess and frivolous spending. They valued simplicity, knowledge, and friendship over material wealth.

Beginning students learned directly from experienced teachers—some even from Epicurus himself—but were initially shielded from other philosophies, except when demonstrating their comparative weaknesses. This early period was dedicated to strengthening their understanding of physics as a naturalist, materialistic foundation upon which the rest of Epicurus’ teachings could be logically built.

Epicurus believed the universe was infinite and composed of indivisible particles moving through empty space, laying the groundwork for scientific thought. His emphasis on rational thought and empirical evidence laid the foundation for the scientific method. His philosophy influenced the American founders’ belief in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Today we are more familiar with the Stoics, Plato and Aristotle, who the Romans favored, early Church leaders, and modern Christianity, who adopted the Epicurean concepts they liked. They wrote lies about his character (i.e.: he wasn't smart, a glutton of fancy food, sexual promiscuous) and what he taught, in order to change history, while at the same time trying to destroy all original evidence of his ideas and writings. 

Why? Because Epicurus' teachings of individual freedom, property, self-determination, minimal government, and secularism were a threat to those who, both in ancient and modern times, want the ability to control the information, thoughts and lives of the people. 

Despite these efforts, Epicurus was rediscovered and influenced the Enlightenment and modern democratic principles. His teachings continue to influence philosophy and science, encouraging individuals to think for themselves and consider what really will give them a happier, well-lived life.

Frequently asked Questions

Christianity

In the intellectual centers that put value on increasing knowledge, that enjoyed debating diverse ideologies and beliefs, “believing by faith” couldn’t withstand rational scrutiny.   

So how were Emperors Constantine and Theodosius, able to establish Christianity as a unified world religion? They started by suppressing dissent and eliminating competing ideologies. These mandates marginalized diverse philosophies, ended multicultural religious practices, and eventual put an end to the Olympic games, labeling them incompatible with Christian values. This created a polarized “us vs. them” division, branding non-Christians as “unbelievers”, "infidels" and “heretics” destined for hell, a division that persists today. 

Although early Christians had been persecuted and killed by Roman soldiers for centuries, once they felt empowered to act “in Jesus’ name,” believers became the persecutors.  Self-appointed holy warriors and morality police used violence to erase alternative beliefs by burning the Alexandrian library, temples, buildings, and businesses, and closing ancient philosophical schools, including the Epicurean gardens. 

Church leaders were unable to provide evidence-based or strong philosophical arguments for their followers to stand up for their beliefs. In order to hold on to their faith, Christians were brought up to not trust alternative scientific explanations and see questioning and rational debate as clever Satan-style-attempts to lure them away from the Truth and to their eternal torment in hell (i.e.: using the Jesus' command, "Get thee behind me Satan!" as a rebuke against anyone challenging their belief).

Christianity’s ultimate focus was based on that "need of salvation" which caused stress in their lives with guilt, fear, and anxiety over losing that salvation. Because there was no factual information or empirical evidence, divisions happened.

The first was over whether a man could actually be a god. 

Then the Eastern Orthodox Church separated from the Roman Church over disagreements that clergy should never have sex and whether wine and bread actually turned into the literal blood and body of Jesus. 

The Roman Catholic church stayed the dominant religion through proselytization, intimidation, persecution and inquisitions against other beliefs, until the Protestant movement.

Protestants believed the Bible (not the Pope) was the ultimate authority and translated the Bible from Latin so everyone could read it and have a "personal relationship" with Jesus. This led to questioning, "What is the correct interpretation and way to worship? " which ultimately resulted in the 45,000 different Christian denominations today (2024). 

Brief History of Rational Hedonism

When their Garden was disbanded, Epicureans--and others who valued the freedom to question and debate traditional beliefs, norms, and philosophies--resettled beyond Christianity's growing authoritarian influence.

Carrying embers from their home hearths in honor of Estia, the Epicureans joined fellow Greek expatriates in Hellenic settlements across India, Alexandria and Baghdad. These intellectual hubs became centers for preserving and translating Greek philosophy, astronomy, and medicine, while also fostering new scientific and algebraic advancements.

Over the centuries, Plato and Aristotle's influence shaped ideologies, religion and government. They prioritized centralized authority and fear to control the people instead of ensuring the peace of mind and sense of security necessary to protect them from harm and the freedom to be happy and self-sufficient.

Paul, who claimed to be an Apostle of Jesus, and the Stoics, worked to erode Epicurus' legacy, yet cherry-picked from his teachings, giving the impression that some of his ideas were their own, yet tried to consign him to obscurity.

During his time, Epicurus' philosophy focused on alleviating anxiety, guilt, and stress. Many of his followers regarded him as a "savior" for guiding them on a life-altering path to personal well-being and a fulfilling life. Rational Hedonism originated from the roots of Epicurus, but does not consider him as "saviour" as his followers were once encouraged to do.

After over 2295 years of separation from Epicurus, with much of his writings destroyed, scattered around the globe, and believing Epicureans died off, Rational Hedonism slowly evolved as changing times and rapid advancements in science, astronomy, medicine, technology, psychology and human rights issues continued.

Influential leaders continuing the Epicurean dream occasionally resurfaced to inspire pivotal intellectual movements—from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment in France, Scotland, and America.

While Epicurus believed in gods who contentedly lived elsewhere and did not interfere with human lives, he did not believe they were responsible for our planet's creation or human life.

Even while we accept that definition, Rational Hedonists go a step further and consider themselves atheists. While there may or may not be beings elsewhere who would be to us as gods, they would not invasively monitor our thoughts or be obligated to answer prayers or be in the business of "magical interventions".

You may not be responsible for the body you were born with, where you were born, or who your parents were, but we believe in self-determination over victimization and blame, when armed with the right mindset and tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principle Doctrines of Epicurus

The first thing a student of Epicurus learned, was, “Matter cannot be created or destroyed”. This was important because it emphasized the principle that nothing comes from nothing and that natural phenomena can be explained without divine intervention. Even though he continued Democritus' idea of atoms, his variation of their ability to "swerve" was influential in shaping later scientific thought.

  • The universe is composed of solid bodies and empty space. 
  • Solid bodies are either fundamental particles or compounds. 
  • The number of atoms is limitless. 
  • Space extends infinitely. 
  • Atoms are in constant motion. 
  • Atomic motion occurs at a uniform speed. 
  • In open space, atoms move in straight lines; within compounds, they vibrate. 
  • Atoms can spontaneously deviate from their path at any point in space or time. 
  • Atoms possess three defining properties: weight, shape, and size. 
  • The variety of atomic shapes is vast, though not infinite. 

     (From “Epicurus and His Philosophy” by Norman DeWitt)   

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  • A blessed and indestructible being has no trouble and causes no trouble, so he is free from anger and bias, as these show weakness.

  • Death is nothing to us because once we die, we feel nothing, and what feels nothing is nothing to us.

  • The greatest pleasure comes from removing all pain. When this pleasure is present, there is no pain in the body or mind.

  • Continuous severe pain doesn't last long. Extreme pain is short-lived, and even moderate pain doesn't last many days. Long-term diseases allow more pleasure than pain.

  • You can't live a pleasant life without being wise, honorable, and just, and you can't be wise, honorable, and just without living pleasantly. If any of these are missing, you can't live a pleasant life.

  • Any means to protect yourself from others is naturally good.

  • Some people seek fame and status for security. If it makes them secure, it's good; if not, they haven't achieved their goal.

  • No pleasure is bad in itself, but some pleasures cause more trouble than they're worth.

  • If all pleasures could accumulate over time and throughout the body, they would all be the same.

  • If the pleasures of indulgent people freed them from fears and taught them to limit desires, they would be full of pleasure and free from pain.

  • Without fears about celestial events, death, or the limits of pain and desire, we wouldn't need natural science.

  • You can't get rid of fears about important matters without understanding the universe. Without studying nature, you can't enjoy pure pleasure.

  • There's no benefit in protection from others if you're still scared of events in the universe.

  • The best protection from others comes from living a quiet life away from the crowd.

  • The wealth needed by nature is limited and easy to get; the wealth needed by vain ideals is infinite.

  • Chance rarely affects the wise man; his greatest interests are guided by reason.

  • The just man is free from disturbance, while the unjust man is full of it.

  • Bodily pleasure doesn't increase once the pain of want is removed; it only varies. Mental pleasure is reached when we reflect on bodily pleasures and related emotions.

  • Unlimited and limited time provide the same amount of pleasure if measured by reason.

  • The body sees pleasure as unlimited and needs unlimited time. The mind understands the limits of the body and removes future fears, creating a complete life without needing unlimited time. The mind still enjoys life even when death is near.

  • Understanding life's limits makes it easy to remove the pain of want and complete life. There's no need for struggle.

  • We must consider the ultimate end and clear sensory evidence to form opinions; otherwise, everything is uncertain and confusing.

  • If you reject all sensations, you have no standard for judgment.

  • If you reject any sensation without distinguishing between confirmed and unconfirmed opinions, you'll confuse all sensations and reject truth.

  • If you don't refer your actions to nature's ultimate end, your actions won't match your theories.

  • Desires that don't lead to pain when unsatisfied are unnecessary and easy to get rid of if hard to obtain or harmful.

  • Friendship is the most important means to ensure happiness.

  • The belief that nothing we fear is eternal helps us see that friendship enhances our security.

  • Some desires are natural and necessary, some are natural but not necessary, and some are neither natural nor necessary.

  • Natural desires that cause no pain when unsatisfied are due to groundless opinion and are not removed because of these opinions.

  • Natural justice is a mutual benefit agreement to prevent harm.

  • Animals and people who can't make agreements to prevent harm have no justice or injustice.

  • Absolute justice doesn't exist; only agreements to prevent harm in different places and times.

  • Injustice is not evil itself but causes fear of punishment.

  • A man who secretly breaks agreements can't feel confident he won't be discovered.

  • Justice is generally the same for all but varies in different places and circumstances.

  • Laws that benefit mutual dealings are just; if not, they aren't just. Justice varies with circumstances.

  • Laws that don't match justice in practice aren't just. Laws that were once beneficial but no longer are, were just when they were beneficial.

  • The man who best handles threats treats all creatures as family or avoids them if necessary.

  • Those who can defend against threats live the most pleasant life with each other and don't lament premature deaths.