Epicureanism
Okay, I admit it - I do enjoy taking the ridiculous Facebook tests. Who Would You Be in a Past Life? What Kind of Insect Are You? Or the latest, What Philosophical School of Thought are You in? This latter test took me down a rabbit hole. I got Epicureanism. Hrm. I'd heard of Epicureanism, but that was the extent of it. Now, I had to research it - which led me to studying not only Epicureanism, but also Stoicism, Existentialism, Hedonism, and Skepticism.
Considering the source, I was amazed at how accurate the test actually was. When I read about Epicureanism, it fit remarkably well.
So just what is Epicureanism? Well, I like to think of it as Hedonism Lite. Both Epicureans and Hedonists believe that pleasure is the greatest good. Hedonism, with which people are likely to be generally familiar, strives for a life in which pleasure significantly outweighs pain. Ethical hedonism states that people have a right to pursue pleasure as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. In theory, I agree with this. However, in my experience, the extreme pursuit of pleasure may often lead to pain - as in overindulgence in alcohol or risky behaviors. Consequently, I have avoided labeling myself as a hedonist.
Enter Epicureanism. Epicureanism seeks not only to pursue pleasure, but the philosophy also includes avoidance of pain and fear. Epicureans work both sides of the street so to speak. They not only seek pleasure, but also actively avoid situations that will likely result in some form of pain. The Epicurean idea of pleasure is more low key. While not opposed to extreme highs in principle, often the pursuit of such also results in extreme lows. Therefore Epicureans strive for a more sustainable middle ground - contentment and tranquility.
Epicureanism also emphasizes pleasures of the mind over pleasures of the body. For example, with whom you eat is far more important than what you eat. As an INTJ, I actively seek out those with whom I can share philosophies, idealisms, theories. This is my greatest pleasure - and has no painful repercussions.
I welcome interactions and events that help me to better understand myself and others. Who knew a Facebook test would show me a new facet? It's all good.
* Originally posted to PsychoticToday.com
Considering the source, I was amazed at how accurate the test actually was. When I read about Epicureanism, it fit remarkably well.
So just what is Epicureanism? Well, I like to think of it as Hedonism Lite. Both Epicureans and Hedonists believe that pleasure is the greatest good. Hedonism, with which people are likely to be generally familiar, strives for a life in which pleasure significantly outweighs pain. Ethical hedonism states that people have a right to pursue pleasure as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. In theory, I agree with this. However, in my experience, the extreme pursuit of pleasure may often lead to pain - as in overindulgence in alcohol or risky behaviors. Consequently, I have avoided labeling myself as a hedonist.
Enter Epicureanism. Epicureanism seeks not only to pursue pleasure, but the philosophy also includes avoidance of pain and fear. Epicureans work both sides of the street so to speak. They not only seek pleasure, but also actively avoid situations that will likely result in some form of pain. The Epicurean idea of pleasure is more low key. While not opposed to extreme highs in principle, often the pursuit of such also results in extreme lows. Therefore Epicureans strive for a more sustainable middle ground - contentment and tranquility.
Epicureanism also emphasizes pleasures of the mind over pleasures of the body. For example, with whom you eat is far more important than what you eat. As an INTJ, I actively seek out those with whom I can share philosophies, idealisms, theories. This is my greatest pleasure - and has no painful repercussions.
I welcome interactions and events that help me to better understand myself and others. Who knew a Facebook test would show me a new facet? It's all good.
* Originally posted to PsychoticToday.com