Epicureanism: It's Not What You Think – A Philosophy of Tranquility

Epicurus taught that true pleasure was found not in extravagance, but in the absence of suffering—both physical and mental—alongside the enjoyment of intellectual pursuits and close friendships. He established a community known as 'The Garden' where individuals, regardless of social standing, lived modestly, shared simple meals, and engaged in philosophical discussion. For Epicurus, excessive desires often led to greater pain and disturbance, emphasizing temperance, prudence, and self-sufficiency as the paths to genuine, lasting happiness, a stark contrast to the modern interpretation of the term.