Book cover of The Art of Happiness

Book description

The teachings of Epicurus-about life and death, religion and science, physical sensation, happiness, morality, and friendship-attracted legions of adherents throughout the ancient Mediterranean world and deeply influenced later European thought. Though Epicurus faced hostile opposition for centuries after his death, he counts among his many admirers Thomas Hobbes, Thomas Jefferson,…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Art of Happiness as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Epicurus wrote a series of letters summarizing his philosophy and we also have a couple of sets of short aphorisms that report key ideas. All of these are translated in this volume, along with the ancient biography of Epicurus and a substantial introduction. For any one keen to learn more about Epicureanism, the first thing to reader are his letters, especially the Letter to Menoeceus and the Letter to Herodotus.

From John's list on Epicureanism and its teachings.

Epicurus gives hedonism a good name. The book is a guide for how to live and particularly well-suited to readers of a certain age.

From Thomas' list on a taste of philosophy.

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