# Epicurus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## What happens

This chapter details the life, doctrines, and death of Epicurus, including his hedonistic ethics, his views on pleasure and pain, the role of virtue, his will, and his advice on living a happy life through philosophy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ethics and Self-Control

Epicurus' ethical system centers on pleasure as the chief good, but emphasizes prudence, honor, and justice as necessary for a pleasant life.

### Death and Legacy

The chapter covers Epicurus' death, his will, and the establishment of his school's traditions to ensure his legacy.

## Character check-ins

### Epicurus

Central figure of the chapter; his doctrines, will, and death are described.

### Diogenes of Sinope

Cited as a source for Epicurean doctrines, e.g., in his Select Discourses and epitome.

### Hermarchus of Mitylene

Named as successor to Epicurus' school and garden, and as guardian of Epicurus' legacy.

### Metrodorus

Mentioned in Epicurus' will regarding the celebration of his memory and guardianship of his children.

## Key lines

> 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 affect us because once we die, we no longer have any sensations, and what lacks sensation is irrelevant to us.

_Epicurus' famous maxim on 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' argument that virtue and pleasure are interdependent._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/epicurus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters