Epicurus added one more thing: “We do not fear the gods — for the gods, if they exist, are too blissful to care about our petty worries. And we do not fear death — for where death is, we are not. Where we are, death is not. So why waste a single moment on fear?”
he said, “natural and necessary desires.” He pointed to the bread, the fig, the jug of water. “Food, shelter, friendship, safety. These are easy to satisfy. When fulfilled, they bring genuine peace.” epicurus the art of happiness pdf
He drew a third line and crossed it out. “Fame, limitless wealth, power over others. These are neither natural nor necessary. They are bottomless pits. The more you feed them, the hungrier they grow.” Epicurus added one more thing: “We do not
Cleon looked around again. The people weren’t pretending to be happy. They were laughing at a simple joke, helping each other water the herbs, and resting in the afternoon shade. So why waste a single moment on fear
Cleon traveled the dusty road to the garden. He expected marble columns and lavish fountains — but found only a small vegetable patch, a few olive trees, and a low stone house with an open courtyard. A group of men and women, young and old, sat together on simple benches, sharing bread and figs. They spoke softly, laughed often, and seemed utterly at peace.