Epicureanism
- “what did epicurus actually teach”
- “why is epicurean used for food”
- “did epicurus believe in luxury”
- “epicurus on death”
:: COMPARE ::
EpicureanismvsStoicism
The short answer
Both target tranquillity, from opposite metaphysics. Epicureans get there by removing fear of gods and death through atomism, and by withdrawing from public life. Stoics get there by aligning with a rational cosmos and staying in it. Same destination, opposite instructions about whether to show up to work.
Side by side
| Aspect | Epicureanism | Stoicism |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Remove fear | Align with reason |
| Public life | Withdraw | Participate |
| Cosmos | Atoms and void | Rational order |
| Goal | Ataraxia | Ataraxia |
Which one you meant
Readers who land here meaning Epicureanism rather than Stoicism are usually searching for phrases like “what did epicurus actually teach”, “why is epicurean used for food”, “did epicurus believe in luxury”.
Stoicism
- “a philosophy about staying calm and focusing on what you can control”
- “how to not let things outside my control upset me”
- “the ancient philosophy the emperor Marcus Aurelius practised”
- “finding peace by accepting what I can't change”
Which came first
Stoicism. c. 300 BCE — Zeno of Citium teaches on the painted porch (stoa) in Athens.
- c. 300 BCEStoicismZeno of Citium teaches on the painted porch (stoa) in Athens.
- c. 307/306 BCEEpicureanismHe founds the Garden in Athens — a combination of philosophical community and school.
Read either one in full