The Problem of Anxiety
Often, people feel temporarily depressed when reading in daily newspapers about tragedies, deaths, political turmoil, and conflicts in society. Apart from that, sad and frightening sentiments are often conveyed by religious leaders from the pulpit, making the congregation anxious because they are threatened with hellfire, God’s punishment, and the approach of the end of the world. The intertwining of topics related to God, religion, death, and political turmoil always brings deep sadness characterized by melancholy, anxiety, and gloom. The questions regarding the underlying reasons and consequences of widespread anxiety arise from the intersection of feelings and events.
The idea of hedonism was first mentioned in philosophical writings by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. The hedonism Epicurus wanted to foster was very different from the hedonism now understood and often hated by the general public. The word “hedonism” is often associated with an irresponsible way of life emphasizing the temporary nature of celebratory moments and a lack of accountability or planning.
After the death of Alexander the Great in 326 BC, social and political unrest swept across Greece. Despite seeking intellectual stability at the time, Epicurus was deeply affected by the instability. Born on the beautiful island of Samos, Epicurus embarked on a philosophical journey. He wanted to provide a solid foundation for understanding the universe and sought to take a middle path between idealism and skepticism. After some time, the voyage brought him to Athens in 306 BC. There, he founded Garden, a famous philosophical school.
Epicurus was not only respected by his students; he inspired deep devotion in them. His gentle, noble, and kind nature fostered a sense of friendship beyond the typical student-teacher relationship. The qualities shine even when facing adversity. Despite living a simple life and facing serious illness, Epicurus maintained an extraordinary calm and joyful spirit.
Epicurus on Avoiding Fear
Epicurus argued that the main cause of human worry was fear of the gods. He says that there is no place for supernatural interference in human affairs because everything in the universe (including the gods themselves) is made of atoms moving according to natural rules. According to Epicurus, the gods were in a state of eternal bliss and were unaffected by the worries of mankind. Their complete nature consists of subtle, flawless, and undisturbed atoms and leads to their satisfaction. Their interactions with people are also peaceful. If the gods were immune to any interference, then human actions and worries would not affect them. Therefore, society does not need to waste energy worrying about divine manipulation or punishment.
Epicurus had an unusual perspective on death. He emphasized how we don’t need to be afraid of death. His ideology states that death does not exist as long as we are awake and alive. It cannot damage us or come into contact with us under these conditions. On the other hand, we will not be aware when death finally comes.
Using reason, Epicurus goes on to say that living a moral life is very important. We must concentrate on making the most of our pleasure and well-being while we still have it because death is inevitable and will end the experience. We can be sure that when the time of death comes, it will not disturb the peace that comes from a life well lived by leading a moral life and seeking a little pleasure.
In addition to emphasizing increased pleasure, the classic definition of hedonism can change significantly. Hedonism in the context of the confusing and sometimes hopeless world of the 21st century may instead involve seeking satisfaction and solace in the little things in life.
Anxiety about powerful, invisible forces and the inevitable consequences of death were the two things Epicurus feared most; it is very comparable to the concerns of the modern individual. While we may not fear God, we may feel helpless in the face of political and economic uncertainty and awareness of climate change. Additionally, we may feel confused and overwhelmed by the rapid development of technology.
A more subtle kind of hedonism might be a comforting force amidst the current chaos. Hedonism may provide a feeling of stability and well-being in a society always feeling chaotic by placing greater value on moments of genuine pleasure and connection however small.
Many interpretations use powerful religious symbolism to depict an angry God brandishing a flaming sword and preparing to cast sinners into Hell. Sermons preached from the pulpits of majestic cathedrals, the calm atmosphere of mosques, and the crowded prayer halls of other religions always resonate with images of divine anger. Meanwhile, the texts supposedly lead humanity to turn into a field of violence. It is evident throughout history, from the current conflict between Israel and Palestine to the holy battles of the Crusades. A quick reading of scriptures prioritizing punishment over mercy can cause its followers to become paralyzed by fear and unable to examine or follow their moral compass.
How can one approach wisdom in life? The secret, according to Epicurus, is to control our impulses wisely. Satisfying our basic needs is essential to our existence and well-being must take precedence over satisfying temporary desires. A very wise person, according to Epicurus, focuses his life on maintaining physical well-being and a sense of inner calm. According to him, the two components are important for obtaining physical and spiritual satisfaction. A peaceful soul is free from worry, fear, and restlessness, just as a healthy body is free from pain and misery.
However, Epicurus did not advocate a life without pleasure. He simply opposed the disproportionate pursuit of short-term pleasure. Instead, he advocates living a simple life. He argued that the source of true happiness is the absence of suffering, both physical and spiritual. He considered a wise person to be someone who had perfected the skill of appreciating small pleasures deeply and eternally.
Epicurus goes on to emphasize the value of close social ties as a source of happiness and a way of living a fulfilling life. He argued that friendship and brotherhood are very important for our general well-being.
The Path to Ataraxia
Ataraxia is a state of peace beyond temporary moments of happiness and leading to true pleasure. Rather than pursuing every desire without regard, one can gain inner peace by learning intelligent coping mechanisms. The secret is to recognize and let go of desires that may cause discomfort, annoyance, or disappointment. We can develop a sense of long-term satisfaction and avoid the emotional turmoil of unfulfilled desires by realizing what truly satisfies us and letting go of everything else.
Studying Epicurus is about finding comfort amidst humanity’s sorrow. A possible path to inner peace in a world full of conflict, bloodshed, and existential dread is to study the philosophy of Epicurus. His lesson about finding joy through peace and rational desire may be a roadmap to help us overcome life’s obstacles.
As knowledge, technology, and information advance, society is increasingly dominated by fear: fear of nuclear dangers, illegal substances, and sophisticated weaponry poses a serious threat to human civilization. Ironically, developments that give hope for a better future give rise to new fears. Anxiety permeates the modern world over the threat of nuclear destruction, the spread of hazardous materials, and the potentially devastating effects of advanced weaponry.
Rather than being greedy, hedonism is the ability to control our impulses. Hedonism, according to Epicurus, is sometimes understood as the relentless pursuit of pleasure. However, the real goal is completely different. It’s about realizing and setting priorities for our desires, letting go of the things that cause us pain and unhappiness, and concentrating on the things that truly bring us happiness and satisfaction.
As defined in personal ethics, hedonism is essentially an attempt to feel satisfied, and happy, and controlling desires can result in prolonged discomfort. Hedonism turned into a theory of morality in living a fulfilling life. It places great emphasis on finding peace and contentment through learning to appreciate the small pleasures in life and realizing how pursuing extreme desires invariably results in suffering and unhappiness down the road.
In this day and age, everything is at our fingertips with just a click or swipe; knowledge has become more important than ever for humans. Such wisdom includes more than just knowledge; it also means being aware of the consequences of our goals. We must be able to differentiate between temporary joy that can ultimately make us unhappy and happiness that provides true satisfaction. We can use the wisdom in our daily lives. For example, we might stop for a moment and think about the long-term value of drastically reduced items at the mall rather than being blindly lured into buying them even though we may not need them. Prioritizing what improves our bodily and emotional well-being will result in true contentment and a sense of calm. We can achieve ataraxia by making decisions to nourish our bodies with healthy foods and our souls with satisfying experiences.
The Dangers of Uncontrolled Desire
Uncontrolled national ambition in a political context can take the form of colonialism, intimidation, or even conflict. An uncontrollable thirst for growth and power can be linked to a national identity prioritizing its interests; it always depicts itself as a superior country and entitled to more territory or wealth. It can result in exploitation and domination of other countries thereby causing discontent and instability throughout the world.
Epicurus was against all pleasure in making others afraid. He argues how seeking simple pleasures and cultivating strong relationships is the path to inner peace and tranquility and is the source of true happiness. The activity of inflicting pain on others or taking advantage of them would probably have offended Epicurus because it would have created constant anxiety and fear of punishment.
A serene existence free from the grip of greed, fear, and the pursuit of irrational desires is the ideal of food and drink enthusiasts’ hedonism. It emphasizes how avoiding the possibility of prolonged sadness is the path to ultimate happiness. The theory is very relevant in modern times and is characterized by an abundance of desires, increased appetite, and excessive temptation. Thus, the Epicurean perspective argues that how people practice self-control can achieve true happiness.
Bibliography
- Annas, J. (1987). Epicurus on pleasure and happiness. Philosophical Topics, 15(2), 5-21.
- Austin, E. A. (2012). Epicurus and the politics of fearing death. Apeiron, 45(2), 109-129.
- Konstan, D. (2005). Epicurus.
- Massie, P. (2018). Ataraxia: Tranquility at the end. A companion to ancient philosophy, 245-262.