How to Be an Epicurean: The Ancient Art of Living Well

In this excellent debut, Wilson, a philosopher and visiting professor at CUNY Graduate Center, debunks claims about Epicureanism’s hedonistic nature, arguing instead that the ancient Greek philosophy offers an effective structure for living a fulfilled life. Mining the few remaining writings of Epicurus from the third century BCE, as well as the work of his first-century BCE follower Lucretius, Wilson explains how Epicureanism is an inherently optimistic, positive philosophy that encourages adherents to think in terms of living well as an individual and as part of society. Starting from the basics, Wilson describes the Epicurean vision of creation (all things are made up of either “bodies” or “void”), considers the values of pleasure and pain, expounds on the nature of love, and explains why death shouldn’t be feared—at least not by Epicureans. With prudence, reason, and free choice forming the basis of the philosophy, Wilson argues that Epicureanism is, in fact, surprisingly modern. In a final section—titled “Should I Be a Stoic Instead?”—Wilson compares Epicureanism to other early Greek philosophies, differentiating Epicureanism by stressing its basis positivism. General readers interested in how the ancient Greeks viewed the good life will take great pleasure in Wilson’s entertaining guide to Epicureanism for modern times. (Sept.)