---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine…"
description: "\"I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece an..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/184/thomas-jefferson-43_containing_i-am-an-epicurean-i-consider-the-genuine_1926337.jpg"
---

#  I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the…

![“I 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.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/184/thomas-jefferson-43_containing_i-am-an-epicurean-i-consider-the-genuine_1926337.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/184/thomas-jefferson-43_containing_i-am-an-epicurean-i-consider-the-genuine_1926337.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/184/thomas-jefferson-43_containing_i-am-an-epicurean-i-consider-the-genuine_1926337.jpg)

> “I 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.”

[Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Jefferson identifies Epicurean philosophy as the rational foundation of moral thought inherited from ancient Greece and Rome.

**In simple terms:** He sees Epicurus as the source of sensible ethics.

Key Takeaway

Study Epicurean ideas for practical moral guidance.

Themes

philosophy ethics history ancient thought rationalism

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

- personal moral decisions
- ethical debates
- educational curricula
- public policy formation
- philosophical counseling

Key Concepts

Epicureanism classical education humanism

Questions to Reflect On

- What aspects of Epicurean ethics are relevant today?
- How can individual rationality balance societal duties?

A Different Perspective

Epicureanism may overlook communal responsibilities.

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