Epicurus
Founded Epicureanism, pursuit of tranquility
Quotes by Epicurus
No pleasure is a bad thing in itself, but the things which produce certain pleasures bring troubles many times greater than the pleasures themselves.
The same span of time that lengthens the rose-buds gradually lengthens the wrinkles of old age.
The just man enjoys the greatest peace of mind.
Natural justice is a pledge of reciprocal benefit, to prevent one man from harming or being harmed by another.
Those animals which are incapable of making binding agreements with one another not to inflict nor suffer harm are without either justice or injustice.
Injustice is not an evil in itself, but only in consequence of the fear which is excited by the apprehension of being discovered.
The essence of religion lies in correct knowledge of the divine nature.
Accustom yourself to the belief that death is of no concern to us. Since as long as we exist death is not with us; but when death does come, then we do not exist.
Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
By pleasure we mean the absence of pain in the body and of trouble in the soul.
It is impossible to live pleasurably without living prudently, honorably, and justly; and impossible to live prudently, honorably, and justly without living pleasurably.
We must consider both the ultimate end and all clear sensory evidence, to which we refer our opinions; for otherwise everything will be full of uncertainty and confusion.
The whole of being is atoms and void.
Nothing comes into being or is destroyed or changes at all, but remains absolutely eternal.
The gods are immortal and blessed beings, and men must approach them with piety.
Friendship dances around the world bidding us all to awaken to the recognition of happiness.
The noble soul occupies itself with wisdom and friendship; of these the one is a mortal good, the other immortal.
A strict belief in fate is the mark of an unwilling man; deliberate choice is the mark of a man who wills.
The wise man will not make fine speeches.
One cannot say that friendship springs from poverty or need; it is born of the love of beauty.