<P> Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus , founded around 307 BC . Epicurus was an atomic materialist , following in the steps of Democritus . His materialism led him to a general attack on superstition and divine intervention . Following Aristippus -- about whom very little is known -- Epicurus believed that what he called `` pleasure '' ( ἡδονή ) was the greatest good , but that the way to attain such pleasure was to live modestly , to gain knowledge of the workings of the world , and to limit one 's desires . This would lead one to attain a state of tranquility ( ataraxia ) and freedom from fear as well as an absence of bodily pain ( aponia ) . The combination of these two states constitutes happiness in its highest form . Although Epicureanism is a form of hedonism insofar as it declares pleasure to be its sole intrinsic goal , the concept that the absence of pain and fear constitutes the greatest pleasure , and its advocacy of a simple life , make it very different from `` hedonism '' as colloquially understood . </P>
<P> Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus , founded around 307 BC . Epicurus was an atomic materialist , following in the steps of Democritus . His materialism led him to a general attack on superstition and divine intervention . Following Aristippus -- about whom very little is known -- Epicurus believed that what he called `` pleasure '' ( ἡδονή ) was the greatest good , but that the way to attain such pleasure was to live modestly , to gain knowledge of the workings of the world , and to limit one 's desires . This would lead one to attain a state of tranquility ( ataraxia ) and freedom from fear as well as an absence of bodily pain ( aponia ) . The combination of these two states constitutes happiness in its highest form . Although Epicureanism is a form of hedonism insofar as it declares pleasure to be its sole intrinsic goal , the concept that the absence of pain and fear constitutes the greatest pleasure , and its advocacy of a simple life , make it very different from `` hedonism '' as colloquially understood . </P>
who said pleasure is the absence of pain
who said pleasure is the absence of pain
Epicurus
Epicurus