“Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.”
This thought-provoking quote from Epicurus reminds us that having many material possessions is not the key to a fulfilling life. Rather, it is enjoying the things we have – no matter the quantity – that brings true abundance and happiness.”Not what we have but what we enjoy constitutes our abundance.” – Epicurus
Epicurus Quotes on Death
The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus believed that death should not be feared, as it is the end of our physical existence and beyond our control. He wrote extensively on the subject, and several quotes from his writings remain relevant today. Here are some of Epicurus’ most famous quotes on death:
“Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.”
This quote emphasizes the fact that living in fear of death is futile, since it is ultimately inevitable and will happen regardless of our fears. Instead of worrying about death, Epicurus suggested focusing on living a good life while we still can.
“It is nothing either good or bad for that which is not; therefore death, the most awful of evils, is nothing to us.”
This quote implies that since death is an end to one’s existence and cannot be experienced by a person, it should not be feared. According to Epicurus, it should be accepted as part of life and taken in stride.
“The key to a happy life is accepting that we will all die.”
This quote highlights Epicurus’ belief that accepting death can help us live happier lives. By letting go of our fear of mortality and embracing the fact that death will eventually come for us all, we can live more peacefully in the present moment.
“Death is nothing to us; for that which has been dissolved into its elements experiences no sensations.”
This quote points out that since our physical bodies are composed of matter which will eventually decompose upon our deaths, we will no longer experience any sensations once this happens. This means that we should not be fearful of what comes after death since it offers no sense experience whatsoever.
Epicurus Quotes on Happiness
Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who believed that the goal of life should be set on achieving the greatest happiness possible. He was a great proponent of pleasure and believed that we should pursue those things that bring us joy and contentment. His teachings have been incredibly influential, and many of his quotes on happiness have been often quoted by countless people over the centuries. Here are some of his best quotes on happiness:
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
“It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us, as the confidence of their help.”
“Nothing is enough for one who is not satisfied with little.”
“The pleasure of getting and possessing is small compared with the pleasure of giving.”
“Vain are the beliefs of those who suppose that wealth can supply more than a few wants.”
“We must look to our own efforts if we want to achieve any lasting good in life.”
“It is better for you to be free of fear lying upon a pallet, than to have a golden couch and a rich table and be full of trouble.”
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
Epicurus Quotes on Pleasure
Epicurus, the ancient philosopher, was renowned for his thoughts on pleasure and the role it should play in life. He believed that pleasure was essential to a good life and advocated for its pursuit. Epicurus’ philosophy on pleasure has stood the test of time, and his words still offer insight and comfort today. Here are some of Epicurus’ most famous quotes on pleasure:
“Pleasure is our first and kindred good. It is the starting point of every choice and of every aversion.”
Through this quote, Epicurus emphasizes the importance of pleasure in life. He suggests that it should be our primary aim when making decisions, both positive and negative ones.
“No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.”
This quote from Epicurus speaks to the need for patience when it comes to pleasure. He advises us to take our time when pursuing something we desire; enjoy each step along the journey rather than rushing to get to the end goal.
“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”
In this quote Epicurus encourages us not to fear difficulties or obstacles which may stand in our way when we seek out pleasure in life. He reminds us that these struggles can bring great reward if we persevere through them with determination and skill.
“The future is neither ours nor wholly not ours; but there is a limit up to which foresight extends.”
This quote from Epicurus serves as an important reminder that despite our best efforts at predicting what will bring us happiness or pleasure in life there will always be some element of unpredictability involved. We must accept this uncertainty while also striving to make wise choices that bring us closer to our desired outcomes.
Epicurus Quotes on Virtue
Epicurus was a philosopher who believed that the greatest good in life was achieved through pleasure, which he believed could be found through the practice of virtue. He argued that a life of simplicity and moderation was the path to true happiness, and his quotes on virtue provide valuable insight into his philosophy. Epicurus believed that virtue should be cultivated in order to achieve true pleasure and satisfaction. He argued that by following certain virtues, one could lead a contented life free from suffering or pain. Epicurus argued that self-discipline and restraint were important for leading a virtuous life, as well as being generous and kind to others. He also stressed the importance of living in harmony with nature and with one’s fellow humans. Epicurus argued that by cultivating these virtues, one could achieve contentment and true happiness in life. In addition to advocating for certain virtues, Epicurus also warned against certain vices, such as greed or indulgence in luxury. He urged people to avoid excess and instead focus on living simply, while still being generous towards others. Epicurus’s quotes on virtue provide an interesting insight into his philosophy of life and how it can be applied for achieving happiness.
Epicurus Quotes on Friendship
Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who is known for his quotes on friendship and happiness. He believed that friendship was an essential part of a happy life and that it brought joy and comfort to those who cultivated it. His quotes are timeless in their wisdom, inspiring us to value our relationships with others and keep our friendships strong. Here are some of Epicurus’s best quotes on friendship:
“Of all the things that wisdom provides to make us entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship.”
“Friendship dances around the world, announcing prosperity and joy.”
“Friends share our pain as well as our joys. That is why true friendships last forever.”
“The art of living well and happily is based upon the capacity of making friends with one’s own thoughts. Friendship with oneself is all important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”
“Nothing so fortifies a friendship as a belief on the part of one friend that he is superior to the other.”
The teachings of Epicurus remind us to cherish our friendships, take care of them, and recognize how important they are for a happy life. He reminds us that we don’t need much to be happy–just good friends who will always be there for us in times of need.
Epicurus Quotes on Knowledge
Epicurus was a renowned philosopher who lived in the third century BCE. He was known for his teachings and writings about knowledge, and his quotes on knowledge are still widely quoted today. Epicurus believed that knowledge was a valuable tool for living a fulfilling life, and he argued that the pursuit of knowledge should be an ongoing process. He encouraged people to always seek out new information and to question existing beliefs. His quotes on knowledge highlight the importance of learning, questioning, and seeking out new perspectives.
One famous Epicurus quote is “The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it”. This quote emphasizes the value of challenging oneself and striving towards difficult goals. Epicurus believed that knowledge was gained through hard work and dedication, rather than simply being gifted with it. He encouraged people to strive for greatness by pushing themselves to learn something new each day.
Epicurus also believed that knowledge should be shared freely and openly with others. In his quote “The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger; but he is not afraid of danger in necessary circumstances” he argued that it was important to help others when they were in need, even if it posed some risk or danger to oneself. This quote encourages people to be generous with their time and resources while still taking care of themselves first.
Another famous Epicurus quote is “It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly” which highlights his belief that true happiness comes from living a virtuous life guided by wisdom and justice. He argued that knowledge was essential in order to make wise decisions, as without wisdom one could easily fall prey to foolishness or deception. This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing both intellectual growth as well as moral growth in order to live happily and fully.
Overall, Epicurus’ quotes on knowledge emphasize the importance of learning, questioning existing beliefs, sharing knowledge with others, striving for greatness through hard work, helping those in need despite potential risks, making wise decisions based on wisdom, and leading a virtuous life guided by justice. His quotes serve as an inspiration for modern day scholars who seek out truth through education as well as those who strive towards moral excellence through virtue-based living.
Epicurus Quotes on Nature
Epicurus was a philosopher whose teachings focused on the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. He was also an advocate of nature, understanding its importance in our lives and how it can bring us joy and peace. Here are some of Epicurus’ quotes on nature that show his appreciation for its beauty:
“The resources that nature supplies are never limited; they are always adequate for our needs.”
This quote illustrates Epicurus’ belief that the natural world provides us with all we need to be content. He believed that our reliance on material wealth should not be too great, as it is nature that truly sustains us.
“Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than living in harmony with nature.”
This quote speaks to Epicurus’ appreciation of how peaceful one can feel when they live in harmony with the natural world. He believed that taking the time to appreciate nature can help one find inner peace and lead a more meaningful life.
“It is not possible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and honorably and justly, nor without living according to the laws and customs of one’s country.”
This quote expresses Epicurus’ belief that living in accordance with the laws and customs of one’s country is essential for experiencing a pleasant life. He believed that by respecting these laws we can make sure we protect ourselves from harm, while also protecting the natural environment around us.
Conclusion
We can see from Epicurus’ quote that a life of pleasure and contentment is available to all of us. We just need to recognize that it is our own responsibility to find and cultivate it. Happiness and pleasure are within reach for those who seek them, as long as we learn to appreciate the simple things in life and live with moderation. By recognizing the importance of friendship, understanding that material possessions are not essential for a good life, and practicing self-restraint, we can achieve true joy and satisfaction.
Ultimately, Epicurus reminds us that happiness isn’t something we can find in somebody or something else; it comes from within. The key is learning how to create joy in our lives by understanding our values and living according to them. With this advice in mind, we can live a life filled with pleasure and contentment.