Marius the Epicurean · Chapter
IX: New Cyrenaicism explained
Marius develops a personal philosophy of 'New Cyrenaicism,' focusing on the cultivation of sensation and aesthetic education to maximize the present moment, rejecting metaphysical speculation in favor of immediate experience and refined per
What happens
Marius develops a personal philosophy of 'New Cyrenaicism,' focusing on the cultivation of sensation and aesthetic education to maximize the present moment, rejecting metaphysical speculation in favor of immediate experience and refined perception.
Themes in this chapter
Aesthetic Education and the Cultivation of Sensation
Marius advocates for a complete education (παιδεία) focused on refining the powers of emotion and sense, making art and literature central to a life of realized consciousness.
Epicurean Philosophy and the Pursuit of Pleasure
Marius reinterprets Cyrenaic/Epicurean thought, rejecting crude hedonism for a pursuit of 'fullness of life' that includes noble pain, sorrow, and moral striving.
The Role of Art and Literature in Shaping Experience
Art and literature are presented as the most perfect forms of life, objects of impassioned contemplation that shape and refine human experience.
Characters to notice
- Marius
Marius formulates his own version of Cyrenaic philosophy, emphasizing fullness of life, aesthetic education, and the refinement of sensation over mere hedonism.
- Marcus Aurelius
Mentioned as the emperor to whose service Marius has been called, and as a fellow 'lecturer' in the era of rhetoricians.
- Apuleius
Referenced in the context of 'exquisite old story' as an example of noble love and impassioned experience.
- Seneca
Cited as an example of sincere and strenuous forms of the moral life that Marius's philosophy embraces.
- Epictetus
Cited alongside Seneca as representing the moral life that Marius's 'new Cyrenaicism' values.
- Dante
Referenced for the figure of Ciacco, the glutton, to contrast base hedonism with Marius's refined pursuit of experience.
Key passages
“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”
The Epicurean motto of seizing immediate pleasure can be interpreted in vastly different ways, from base gluttony to a refined commitment to justice and kindness.
Marius distinguishes his philosophy from vulgar hedonism by emphasizing the quality and moral dimension of experience.
“Be perfect in regard to what is here and now”
The precept of culture or complete education is to achieve perfection in the present moment through refined perception and action.
This is the core of Marius's 'new Cyrenaicism,' focusing on immediate experience rather than speculative futures.
“the means should justify the end”
In the absence of clear ultimate goals, the processes and methods of living should themselves possess a finality and perfection akin to ends.
Marius applies this principle to demand that daily life be conducted with aesthetic and moral excellence.