Description
Epicureanism
Book Summary
This edition brings together the essential texts of Epicurus, the philosopher who conceived wisdom as a practical path toward serenity. Through his original writings, accompanied by the biography by Diogenes Laertius and a selection from Lucretius's poem, the reader gains access to a philosophy that invites us to free ourselves from fear and pain to cultivate a life of simple and attainable pleasures. A fundamental work for understanding Epicureanism from its sources.
What is it about?
The book offers a direct approach to the thought of Epicurus, beginning with the profile drawn by Diogenes Laertius, the primary source of his biography. Next, the texts of Epicurus himself are presented, where he develops a philosophy centered on the pursuit of ataraxia, the serenity of the soul, through the elimination of unnecessary worries and pain. The edition is completed with a careful selection of the most significant passages from Lucretius's poem "On the Nature of Things," who, moved by his devotion to the master, translated Epicurean doctrine into verse. The collection invites any reader, regardless of their mood, to listen to the lessons that Epicurus taught in his garden, a space open to friends, disciples, women, and slaves, where philosophy was lived as a daily practice.
Main themes
- The pursuit of serenity (ataraxia) as a fundamental philosophical goal.
- The ethics of pleasure understood as the absence of pain and disturbance.
- The critique of irrational fears, especially the fear of death and the gods.
- Friendship and life in community as pillars of a happy existence.
- Philosophy as practical therapy for achieving happiness.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in Hellenistic philosophy, particularly Epicureanism, and those seeking a rigorous introduction to its foundational texts. It will also be of great value to those who wish to explore a practical philosophy oriented toward managing emotions and reducing suffering, as well as to students of philosophy and humanities who want to access the primary sources of Epicurus's thought.
What this book offers
- Direct access to the original texts of Epicurus, contextualized by the biography of Diogenes Laertius.
- A complete view of Epicureanism by including the poetic work of Lucretius, which expands and disseminates the doctrine.
- A tool for understanding a philosophy that offers a practical path toward serenity and happiness.
- A careful edition that facilitates immersion into one of the most influential philosophical schools of Antiquity.
Technical specifications
- Author: EPICURUS OF SAMOS
- Publisher: HERMIDA EDITORES, S.L
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: LITERARY ESSAYS, PHILOSOPHY
- Collection: THE GARDEN OF EPICURUS
- Publication date: October 2024
- Number of pages: 109
- Weight: 150 g
Editorial assessment
This edition is especially valuable for its focus on the primary sources of Epicureanism, offering the reader a direct experience with the thought of Epicurus. The inclusion of Diogenes Laertius's biography and fragments from Lucretius provides a historical and literary context that enriches the understanding of the work. It is a concise but substantial volume, ideal both for those approaching this philosophy for the first time and for those who wish to delve into its foundational texts from a rigorous and accessible perspective.