25 Quotes About Epicurus

Of the thousands who have paid homage to virtue, barely one has thought to inspect the pedestal on which it stands.

Epicurus said you should live for pleasure - adding that nothing brings more pleasure than a little sun and a glass of water. It is on this principle that our conjugal existence has rested for three years, devoted to making love, reading, eating excellent meals, spending a few days in a nice hotel by the sea, visiting out friends (not very many, all without children), going to concerts and movies, sleeping, cultivating our garden.

As you say of yourself, I too am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us.[Letter to William Short, 31 October 1819]

If you wish to make Pythocles wealthy, don't give him more money; rather, reduce his desires.

do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not

It is better for you to be free of fear lying upon a pallet, than to have a golden couch and a rich table and be full of trouble.

If you live according to nature, you will never be poor; if you live according to opinion, you will never be rich.

Contented poverty is an honorable estate.

I would like Epicurus and Buddha to become one.