Epicureanism

epicureanism (ĕp'ĭkyrē`ənĭz'əm), philosophy that follows the teachings of Epicurus, who held that pleasure is the end of all morality and that real pleasure is attained through a life of prudence, honor, and justice. The philosophy was popular throughout the ancient world; it was spread by the successors of Epicurus, who included Polystratus, Zeno of Sidon, and Philodemus of Gadara. Only in later times did epicureanism come to mean devotion to extravagant pleasure.

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Epicureanism

Metaphysical and ethical doctrines taught by Epicurus. In metaphysics, the basic concepts of Epicureanism were atomism; mechanical causality limited by the spontaneous “swerve” of atoms, which accounted for the freedom of motion in man and animals; the infinity of the universe; and the existence of gods as beatified and immortal natures completely extraneous to happenings in the world. In ethics, the basic concepts were the identification of the good with pleasure and of the supreme good with the absence of bodily and mental pain; the limitation of all desire and the practice of virtue; withdrawal from public life; and the cultivation of friendship. Because of its dogmatic character and its practical end, Epicureanism did not lend itself easily to development.

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Epicureanism

See also Feast.

Belshazzar

gave banquet unrivalled for sumptuousness. [O.T.: Daniel 5:1–4]

Finches of the Grove

eating club established for expensive dining. [Br. Lit.: Great Expectations]

Gatsby, Jay

modern Trimalchio, wines and dines the upper echelon. [Am. Lit.: The Great Gatsby]

Lucullus, Lucius Licinius

(110–57 B.C.) gave luxurious banquets. [Rom. Hist.: New Century, 650]

Marius

young pagan who follows the original philosophical tenets of Epicurus in his search for an answer to life. [Br. Lit.: Pater Marius the Epicurean in Magill II, 630]

Trimalchio

vulgar freedman gives lavish feast for noble guests. [Rom. Lit.: Satyricon]