The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Book X: Epicurus and the Pursuit of Pleasure explained
This chapter presents the life, teachings, and will of Epicurus, detailing his philosophy of pleasure as the chief good, the primacy of prudence, the nature of the gods, the insignificance of death, and the relationship between virtue and h
What happens
This chapter presents the life, teachings, and will of Epicurus, detailing his philosophy of pleasure as the chief good, the primacy of prudence, the nature of the gods, the insignificance of death, and the relationship between virtue and happiness. It includes his key maxims, his death, and the provisions of his will for his school and successors.
Themes in this chapter
Ethics and Self-Control
Epicurus argues that prudence is the greatest good, that virtues are inseparable from pleasure, and that one must live prudently, honorably, and justly to live pleasantly.
Death and Legacy
The chapter covers Epicurus's view that death is nothing to us, his own death, and the detailed provisions in his will to ensure the continuity of his school and the care of his companions.
Characters to notice
- Epicurus
Central figure of the chapter; his doctrines on pleasure, virtue, and the gods are expounded, and his will and death are described.
- Metrodorus
Mentioned as a companion whose works are cited and whose children are provided for in Epicurus's will.
- Hermarchus
Appointed as successor to the school and garden, and entrusted with overseeing the education of Metrodorus's children.
- Diogenes of Sinope
Cited as a source for Epicurean doctrines, particularly in the Select Discourses.
Key passages
“Death is nothing to us; for that which is dissolved is devoid of sensation, and that which is devoid of sensation is nothing to us.”
Death does not concern us because when we die, we no longer have any sensations or awareness.
Epicurus's core argument against the fear of death.
“It is not possible to live pleasantly without living prudently and honorably and justly; nor to live prudently and honorably and justly, without living pleasantly.”
A pleasant life is inseparable from a life of prudence, honor, and justice; each requires the other.
Epicurus's integration of virtue and pleasure as mutually necessary.
“That which is happy and imperishable, neither has trouble itself, nor does it cause it to anything; so that it is not subject to the feelings of either anger or gratitude; for these feelings only exist in what is weak.”
The divine being is completely untroubled and does not trouble others, being beyond emotions like anger or gratitude, which belong only to fragile beings.
Epicurus's conception of the gods as indifferent to human affairs.