Single Idea 14048

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 6. Physicalism]

Full Idea

Movements, turnings, risings, settings, and related phenomena occur without any god helping out and ordaining or being about to ordain things, and at the same time have complete blessedness and indestructibility.

Gist of Idea

Astronomical movements are blessed, but they don't need the help of the gods

Source

Epicurus (Letter to Herodotus [c.293 BCE], 76)

Book Reference

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.17


A Reaction

Epicurus is sometimes accused of atheism for remarks like these, but he is always trying to show piety in his attitudes. We might now call this attitude 'deism' (see alphabetical themes).