Epicurus' philosophy is a profound testimony of how science and rational observation can provide a moral guide for humanity. For example, the fact that everything is made up of the same basic matter acts as a reminder that it is necessary to treat the environment with respect, as both human beings and the world are made up of the same basic atomic essence, and their material essence obeys the same properties. People might object that it is easy to use Epicurean philosophy to justify living for pleasure. But Epicurus actually obeyed a moderate diet and lifestyle. Yes, technically one is morally free under Epicurean philosophy to seek pleasure by sitting in bed all day, drinking beer and eating doughnuts. But really, Epicurus would note, that goes completely against his philosophy of true happiness as tranquility and simplicity. What will make you truly happy? Going to class, learning about the world, and finding a fulfilling and intellectually stimulating career with job security, or living a life that will leave you mentally and physically ill?

Since human life is finite, live it to its maximum potential. Take care of your body, because of the pain it can cause you if you do not. Living to the fullest means experiencing the world with the senses in a balanced fashion. Have a sip of the best wine, not an entire six-pack; eat a bite of the best chocolate, not an entire box of pastries. Learn about different aspects of the world, don't watch television for hours. Work a little to keep the mind active, yet play a bit with one's...

Do not go to extremes, and sample everything life has to offer.
Epicurus also has advice for how to approach sickness and the end of life. If an elderly or suffering person is no longer happy, there is nothing immoral or shameful about that person ending his or her existence. However, even if a person is mentally or physically incapacitated, so long as they are happy, they should live. Living a stress-free life means not holding yourself or others up to an unreasonable moral ideal, or holding life itself up to an ideal of what the world or life 'should be.' Do not judge others or yourself too much, if this inhibits enjoyment, but live and let live.

Works Cited

Epicurus. "Principle Doctrines." [11 Feb 2007]. http://www.epicurus.net/en/principal.html

The Life of Epicurus." Epicurean History. [11 Feb 2007]. http://www.epicurus.net/en/history.html#a

O'Keefe, Tim. "Epicurus." The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2006. [11 Feb

2007]. http://www.iep.utm.edu/e/epicur.htm

The Life of Epicurus," Epicurean History, 11 Feb 2007, http://www.epicurus.net/en/history.html#a

Tim O'Keefe, "Epicurus," the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2006, 11 Feb 2007, http://www.iep.utm.edu/e/epicur.htm

Epicurus, "Principle Doctrines," 11 Feb 2007, http://www.epicurus.net/en/principal.html

Tim O'Keefe, "Epicurus," the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2006, 11 Feb 2007, http://www.iep.utm.edu/e/epicur.htm