Maximus's Epicurean Life

When most individuals learn about the Ancient Greeks, they often associate the words city-state, democracy and art. But the subject that becomes most apparent to the public and associated with the Ancient Greeks is perhaps philosophy. According to the textbook, philosophy is defined as “the word of wisdom” (Benton et al 66). Philosophy is vaguely not assimilated with religion even though they are similar. There are several branches of philosophy. Two of which were very common in Ancient Greece and they were Stoicism and Epicureanism. According to the textbook, stoicism is defined as being “less concerned with formulating a systematic philosophy than with providing an approach to everyday living” or in other words, accepting the consequences of daily life’s activities and accepting them in a positive approach (102). These beliefs are also taught in the modern world but most people do not know that these beliefs derived from the Ancient Greeks (or what is still documented). In simple terms, stoicism is simply the perception of individuals is what determines all other outcomes in life. Also, another branch of philosophy is Epicureanism. According to the textbook, Epicureanism is defined as the philosophy of “self-indulgence and pleasure seeking” (102, 103). In simple terms, it

Born of different backgrounds, upbringings, and experiences, Epictetus and Seneca are Roman philosophers who outwardly appear very different. Epictetus spent most of his youth as a slave while Seneca was born into money and became a tutor of Nero. Although these two men seem to be very dissimilar, they each shared a common purpose in studying philosophy and teaching people on how to live well. Each suggested different paths for how to do so. Epictetus suggests in his book, The Discourses and The Enchiridion, that living a life in accordance with nature could be achieved by living moderately. Seneca suggests in his work, Letters from a Stoic, that a happy man is self-sufficient and realizes that happiness depends only on interior perfection. Despite the differences, both Epictetus and Seneca are considered Stoics because of their shared belief in the idea that character is the only guarantee of everlasting, carefree happiness. The world outside ourselves will never give us happiness, nor will it be responsible for our unhappiness. It doesn’t matter what’s happening outside ourselves, Epictetus and Seneca claim that the only thing that matters is how we interpret those events. Further evaluating Seneca’s, Letters from a Stoic and Epictetus’s, The Discourses and The Enchiridion, we will clearly be able to differentiate the two in their ideas and opinions regarding stoicism and the keys to living a well, happy life.

The first four Principal Doctrines, deal with anxiety in people’s lives, and how they should think. Epicurus, is telling people not to fear death, God, nor pains in one’s life because they do not last long and they are for the week. The problem with this way of thinking, is that it removes the true God from the person’s life. But, that is not what he is saying. He, “believed that the true life of pleasure consisted in an attitude of imperturbable emotional calm which needed only simple pleasures, a healthy diet, a prudent moral life, and good friends” (pg. 342). This is quit opposite of what people say of Epicureanism in today’s time.

When discussing epic heroes, some of the more prominent ones that come to mind are Beowulf (from Beowulf), Hektor (from The Iliad), and Achilleus (also from The Iliad). These are all characters from literature who have displayed a multitude of the characteristics embodied in epic heroes. Each one of these literary figures has exhibited necessary traits needed to be considered an epic hero. Whether those traits are some of the common ones such as strength, honor, loyalty, perseverance, and bravery, or some of their own such as pride, intelligence, and morality. Whatever the case, these three have undergone difficulties and shown ties to the values held by their cultures within how they deal with issues. In this essay, I will attempt to

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher who was credited with writing the famous quote “No great thing is created suddenly.” Stoicism is a form of ancient Greek philosophy that teaches self-control in order to overcome otherwise destructive moments. In 50 CE, Epictetus was born as a slave in Hierapolis, but in 130 CE, he passed away as one of the best-known philosophers. After being liberated from slavery in 68 CE, Epictetus began teaching Stoicism in Rome. Comparable to the “great thing” that was not created suddenly in Epictetus’ quote, Epictetus’ freedom from slavery was also not granted to him suddenly. Since Epictetus was a slave for eighteen years, he knew that it takes time for great things to happen.

David states, “...perhaps Epics were some new stage in human development. An evolutionary breakthrough. I didn’t except that”(Sanderson 113).

The next day I walk out my door to find two people stationed outside my door. He knew I would try to go again. My two new guards follow me as I go down to the dining hall for breakfast. Father is already in there eating his breakfast.

Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher who lived from 50-130 AD, was instrumental in allowing the Stoic philosophy to grow and flourish. As ideas have come and gone throughout the years, this is a philosophy, a way of thinking, or even a lifestyle that has maintained its validity ever since its inception into the human mind, and continues to be a formative way of thinking to this day. Without knowing it, I have adopted several of the views that are explicitly written in Epictetus’ The Handbook. As I grew tired and annoyed with the events happening around me, it dawned on me that I can only control how I live my life, and that has been a central philosophy in my life for several years. In this paper, I will use different excerpts from The Handbook to support my claim that this philosophical way of thinking is a superior path to eudaimonia, and I will look at counter-arguments and discuss why they are less valid than the Stoic outlook on life.

and his father sit down and discuss everything openly even though it seems very argumentative. I

With nothing else to do I decide to go make an argument. I know not the best choice, but the only chance I have I said to myself as I walked downstairs to find my dad. I decide to approach my dad in a nice manner. “Dad!”

In the age of Augustus myth played a large role in Roman identity, with myths being used to justify alliances and political activities. The search for a common mythological ancestor amongst cities or countries offered a sense of legitimacy to the alliances that were struck because of these links. On a smaller scale, Romans sought to find familial links that meant that they were more qualified to make a decision, and Augustus was no exception to this. Augustus’ family were an old and distinguished family, however were not patrician, and he was ashamed of the fact that his great-grandfather was an ex-slave, the lowest on the social chain in Rome. In order to justify his leadership, and offer a more glamourous family background Augustus worked hard to establish his and Julius Caesar’s link to the Prince of Troy, Aeneas. Not only that, but Augustus was focused on establishing divine familial ties,

The differentiation that Epictetus makes, with the exception of body, property, and perhaps reputation, is important in the establishment of priorities and hierarchy. Body is very important in relation to physical health, well-being, and confidence. Reputation can mean either of two things - other’s opinions, in which case are insignificant but yet the source of many of my anxieties, or friendship, of which I take a great deal of pride in being a supportive and good friend; this is one of the areas where The Enchiridion not only ceases to be relatable, but defies my priorities around coping with anxiety. Support from friends and family can be extremely helpful. Following this hierarchy and trusting yourself again may be the most difficult parts of establishing structure in a state of anxiety, but both are extraordinarily important. The hierarchy creates an environment in which our thoughts and actions can interpret everything else.

Epictetus used his intimate ability as a philosopher and his innate skill of introspection to put together what I view as a comprehensive strategy or “how-to” on avoiding discomfort or pain in your life while also being at peace with yourself, your abilities, and reality as a whole. A prevailing theory of Epictetus that he reiterates throughout is the focus on not only recognizing what we cannot control, but also being at peace with those things that are uncontrollable. The things we can control are primarily from within us

“A Roman named Marius Atilius.” Ben-Atar replied. “A ruthless trickster and ex-legionary. He also has powerful constituencies in Rome, and likewise with the Circus Maximus. ”

For their respective cultures these epic heroes served as role models for what their citizenry was to strive to become, and their ancient journey’s still contain teachable lessons for today. Although, everyone can’t be the type of heroes that are displayed in these epics; I’m never going to be a military captain, found my own nation, or be the king of some domain. The characteristics that they display are translatable but are not always universally applicable to every situation. Although, I’ve learned we can always choose to do what we consider right or wrong. It doesn’t matter if our legacy is eternal, nor should we consider