043 Philosophers - Epicurus

Museum Description: Epikouros

Room: 22/Case: None/Number: GR 1873.8-20.726

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:32

In complete contrast to the teaching of other philosophical schools, the Epicureans believed that pleasure was the chief good in life, as highlighted by the famous phrase "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die."  This demonstrates that with human wisdom and philosophy you can find every different type of opinion to suit your own personal preference.  Interestingly, Epicurus taught that rather than seek immediate pleasure, it was better to pursue pleasure that lasted for a lifetime.  People should live with courage, self-control and justice.  In reality, the Epicurean philosophy was dangerous to the early Christians, as without a belief in the resurrection, or that God is interested in mankind, it leads to a short-term view of life.  Epicurus himself called life a “bitter gift.”