more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 14520

[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 4. Suicide ]

Full Idea

He is utterly small-minded for whom there are many plausible reasons for committing suicide.

Gist of Idea

It is small-minded to find many good reasons for suicide

Source

Epicurus (Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags) [c.290 BCE], 38)

Book Ref

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.38


A Reaction

It is a pity that the insult of 'small-minded' has slipped out of philosophy. The Greeks use it all the time, and know exactly what it means. We all recognise small-mindedness, and it is a great (and subtle) vice.


The 11 ideas from 'Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags)'

Bodies are combinations of shape, size, resistance and weight [Epicurus]
We value our own character, whatever it is, and we should respect the characters of others [Epicurus]
In the study of philosophy, pleasure and knowledge arrive simultaneously [Epicurus]
Justice is a pledge of mutual protection [Epicurus]
It is a great good to show reverence for a wise man [Epicurus]
Justice is merely a contract about not harming or being harmed [Epicurus]
A law is not just if it is not useful in mutual associations [Epicurus]
It is small-minded to find many good reasons for suicide [Epicurus]
If everything is by necessity, then even denials of necessity are by necessity [Epicurus]
Pleasure and virtue entail one another [Epicurus]
What happens to me if I obtain all my desires, and what if I fail? [Epicurus]