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Epicurus of Sámos (341-270 BCE), the Greek “garden philosopher,” was an ancient sage who left us an enduring message of optimism.  His philosophy conveyed the ultimate conviction that individuals can live in serene happiness, fortified by the continual experience of modest pleasures.  This website serves as an informational resource documenting the legacy of Epicureanism with electronic texts, photography, book lists, links to related sites, and: The Epicurus Wiki.

 Epicurus
 

Food for thought...
May 22, 2015

“The religious people tell us we relly won't experience bliss until we die and go to heaven. But I believe in having as much as you can of this experience while you're alive.”

- Joseph Campbell

 		 

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The Philosophy Garden Was Here ;-) E-Text Library : Introduction to The Epicurus Reader - An excellent synopsis of Epicureanism by D.S. Hutchinson : The Epicurean Inscription - A selection of fragments from the wall of Oenoanda, translated by M.F. Smith : Collections of Epicurean Sayings : Principal Doctrines - The fundamental tenets of the philosophy of Epicurus, presented in 40 aphorisms. The Vatican Sayings - A collection of sayings from a 14th century Vatican manuscript. - Fragments : A popular collection of quotations preserved in other classical works. : Contemporary Renderings - Ken Mylott's rendition of maxims by Epicurus, Democritus, and Diogenes of Oenoanda : Essential Selections from Classical Sources: Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers - The biography of Epicurus by Diogenes Laërtius : De Rerum Natura - The famous poem on nature by Lucretius : De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum - A conversation on Epicurean ethics by Cicero : De Natura Deorum - A conversation on Epicurean theology by Cicero : Themes of Epicureanism - Contains links to sources arranged by subject. : Other Writings : Epitome of Roman History - Biography of the eminent Roman Epicurean Atticus, by historian Cornelius Nepos. : Alexander the Oracle Monger - A historical account of a quack prophet at odds with the legacy of Epicurus, by Lucian. : Zeus Rants - A satirical play by Lucian featuring an Epicurean protagonist. : Upon the Gardens of Epicurus - An essay by 17th century British statesman Sir William Temple. : Letter to William Short, October 31, 1819 - Thomas Jefferson considers Epicurus the most rational philosopher of the Classical world. : WWW Articles - By Erik Anderson : Epicurean Insights - A modern perspective on Epicurean Philosophy. : By Vincent Cook : Epicurean History - Encyclopedic article on the historical impact of Epicureanism. (off-site) : Pictorials : Historical Pictorials - More than 50 thumbnailed images relating to Epicurean history. : Links : To other Epicurus sites: Epicurus & Epicurean Philosophy - Another comprehensive Epicurus website — hosted by Vincent Cook. : El Jardín - (en español) : Epicuro - (in italiano) : Epikur - (auf Deutsche) : Epicuro - (em português) : Epicure - (en français) : To sites of historical interest: The Philodemus Project - An international effort aiming to reconstruct some manuscripts of Philodemus. : Controversial Portrait of Epicurus Confirmed - UCLA Institute of Archaeology Press Release. : To Clubs and Organizations: Epicurean Pleasures International - Home page for West Coast activity group — hosted by Thomas Merle.