Epicureanism Quote by Will Durant
““Both Stoicism and Epicureanism—. the apathetic acceptance of defeat, and the effort to forget defeat in the arms of pleasure—were theories as to how one might yet be happy though subjugated or enslaved;””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant, 1945
The quote suggests that both Stoicism and Epicureanism teach that happiness can be found even when external circumstances are oppressive, by accepting defeat and seeking pleasure.
In simple terms: Happiness can exist despite oppression through acceptance and pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Find contentment within, regardless of external constraints.
Themes
philosophy
happiness
resilience
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal hardship
- political oppression
- mental health
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Stoicism
Epicureanism
acceptance
pleasure
Questions to Reflect On
- Can inner peace replace the need for external freedom?
- How does pleasure help cope with oppression?
A Different Perspective
These philosophies may overlook systemic injustices that require external change.
![“All Hellenistic schools seem to define [wisdom] in approximately the same terms: first and foremost, as a state of perfect peace of mind. From this viewpoint, philosophy appears as a remedy for human worries, anguish, and misery brought about, for the Cynics, by social constraints and conventions…” quote by Pierre Hadot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/pierre-hadot-39367_cynicism_all-hellenistic-schools-seem-to-define-w_498386.jpg)
![“As you say of yourself, I too 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. [ Letter to William Short, 31 October 1819 ]” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af0/thomas-jefferson-43_epicurean_as-you-say-of-yourself-i-too-am-an-epicu_1448972.jpg)
