Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of Epicurus. Epicurus believed that the highest pleasure is that of peace and tranquility. He also said that the greatest goods were ataraxia (freedom from fear) and aponia (absence of bodily pain) through knowledge of the functions of the world and the limits of human desires. One must find a balance between pleasure and pain because too much pleasure will lead to pain. Epicureans believed in living simply but not too simply because luxury is okay, but too much luxury is not good. Not fearing gods, death, or an afterlife were strong Epicurean beliefs. Also these beliefs lead to unwanted anxiety and pain. Death means nothing to an Epicurean. Death simply was the absence of existence. Epicureans believed they had one life to live and they would live it to the fullest ability. Finally Epicureans endure pain when it is absolutely necessary. When Epicureans can't escape pain, they must endure it by not viewing it as pain, but simply as something that will pass. Virgil denied all truth in the Epicurean worldview, yet he highlights the benefit of Epicureanism in The Aeneid (Harris). Virgil, along with Julia T. Dyson, and Leah Kronenburg draw attention to the Epicurean characters in The Aeneid. Dyson explores Dido as an Epicurean and Kronenburg displays Mezentius as an Epicurean both show the values of love, death, and pleasure. .
In "Dido the Epicurean,"" Dyson highlights specific Epicurean concepts portrayed in Dido, from the Aeneid. Dyson discusses how Dido believed that gods existed but the world was a mechanical universe and it went about in its own way, with no interference. Epicureans too believed that gods existed but did not interfere. Epicureans had no fear of the gods' power or of individual's religious beliefs. Lucretius was a Roman poet and philosopher best known for his epicurean works and beliefs. Lucretius believed love was a dangerous tool and individuals should steer clear of love in order to avoid getting hurt.
lead to a useful solution to this problem, Epicureanism does the job best. ... Epicureanism seeks as its ultimate goal ataraxia, a state of non-disturbance. Epicureans view nature as one of the best agents for this. ... For this reason Epicureanism is the best philosophy for living harmoniously with nature. Epicureanism allows to make judgments concerning right and wrong, while giving us the freedom to act on them. ...
As with most philosophies, the Epicureans have guidelines regarding death and eternity as well as life. According to the Epicurean philosophy, one need not worry about gods or an afterlife. ... Epicureans regard this fact with indifference, arguing that before one becomes upset one should consider any point in one's life before birth, then ask oneself whether nonexistence should cause one displeasure (The Philosophy Garden). ... Disregarding the excesses of the jealous gods, their lifestyles exemplify the Epicurean ideal of constant pleasure (Gill). For all of its ancient texts and t...
Julia (by well Julia) When we learn about history (American, world or otherwise), we consume it as life changing events that shape the world we live in today. ... When studying the history of African- American television, I look with a prideful eye on the hit sitcom, Julia. ... Just like I know that during the same year that Julia first aired, Kennedy was assassinated, Dr. ... "The show worked well except for the much too obvious prejudice of the personnel manager where [Julia] is to work." So, with one noticed flaw, Julia went on to become the only NBC program to grace the top ten in t...
Epicureans believe the highest good in life is pleasure: a peace of mind, or freedom from anxiety. ... Epicureans believed to achieve happiness you only need the basics, food, water, and clothing. ... I completely agree with what the Epicureans believed. ... While on the other hand Epicureans believe that the universe is made of atoms. ... Epicureanism and Stoicism were the two most popular theories back in Rome....
In her passage "The Anonymous Voice", Esther Dyson talks about anonymity, its benefits and misuses. Esther Dyson earned her degree in economics from Harvard and then began her career as a fact checker and then a reporter for Forbes, a business magazine. ... Esther Dyson is not on either side of anonymity. ... From the experience at the WELL, Dyson tries to show that how anonymity can be good or bad. ... Esther Dyson's arguments are very clear to understand why both side of anonymity is still under practice. ...
A Virtual World The essay entitled "Cyberspace for All" by Esther Dyson and the article entitled "Welcome to Cyberbia" by Heidi Pollock take different views of the future of the Internet. Esther Dyson expects a future of cyberspace free of any restrictions, while Heidi Pollock doubts the limitless world of communication the Internet promises. In "Cyberspace for All," Esther Dyson defines cyberspace with connection to real estate. ... Dyson claims that "cyberspace is a voluntary destination"(484) where the Internet surfers need self government instead of government control. ... Works Cited ...
George Orwells" character Julia is a classic example of a rebel. In 1984, Julia is a young and attractive woman that uses sex for a rebellion against the Party. ... When Winston first met Julia, he didn"t know her name and he thought she was a typical Party follower-a mindless, well-behaved robot. ... Julia had claimed to have affairs with various Party members as well, which is no doubt a form of rebellion. ... In many ways Julia is a contrast to Winston. ...
The relationship between Winston and Julia becomes a strong symbol in Orwell's 1984. ... When Winston and Julia became lovers, Julia's behavior seems to rub off on Winston. ... I also found Winston to gain confidence through his relationship with Julia. ... Originally, Winston hated Julia for her spirited behavior at work but eventually grew feelings for her. ... The relationship between Julia and Winston was a symbol of rebellion and the complexities of human emotions. ...
Critical Essay Aunt Julia By Norman MacCaig Norman MacCaig is a Scottish poet. I have recently read a poem of his called Aunt Julia. ... This poem is all about how he sees his aunt Julia, he is only a young boy, we can tell this from the way the poem is written, it has repetition in various places such as, " I could not answer her " " I could not understand her " This highlights the fact that he did not communicate with his aunt Julia very much. ... All through this poem when it is talking about Aunt Julia it is always telling us of things she is doing, how she is always mo...
