In philosophy courses, most of us have learned about Epicureanism. Today, when it is talked about by friends around a table, it is often associated to a balanced life. However, the core of the message from Epicurus, was more based on restrictions than trying to find an equilibrium. In today’s world, can we still use part of this teaching to find our balance, or should we look elsewhere? Here is a quick look at fine living in 2022.
Taking the time to think
Two years ago, when the pandemic hit the world and sent us all into lock downs, we were forced to rediscover the power of thinking. It may seem strange, but the truth is our lives are moving so rapidly in this day and age, that we are often reacting instead of thinking. Naturally, it affects our capacity to be balanced individuals, in many ways. Too often, it is the separation of our time between work and rest/play that ends-up tweaked in the wrong direction, with work taking over, most of it.
When we do stop for a second, we still keep up the speed, trying to fit in our friends or family members, for a dinner or an evening out. And when we head back to work, we are still pursuing unfinished business, that never seems to end. However, that never-ending activity needs to be put on pause. Taking a moment to think is necessary and does not mean that you have to lie down. In fact, it is even better if you do it while gardening. Entering our hands in the soil brings us closer to nature. Planting vegetables, herbs or cannabis seeds, places us in a better position to let our mind roam free and think of where we are at in our life.
Pleasures: Are there Ever Enough?
That brings us to Epicurus and his teaching, back in 307 B.C. To him, staying away from moments of intense pleasures was the best way to keep peace of mind. It would end the fear of missing out later on, while keeping our body in good health. It is strange that we associate Epicureanism to hedonism, since the definition of the second is: The doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life. But there is certainly a link, and it is that you can only feel pleasure if you get it in small doses. Otherwise, even pleasure will come to be unsatisfying.
The question becomes, how can we transfer Epicurus teaching to fine living, in 2022. The first element of response most certainly resides in each of us, differently, for what is pleasure to one, can be pain to another. Therefore, the first question we should ask yourself, when we finally take that moment to think, is what brings me pleasure? Whether the answer is spending more time with the family, traveling the world or spending intense moment with your loved one, then you have to make time for it, no matter how difficult it may seem. Because that is what will make you more balanced in the end.
