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Single Idea 14058

[from 'Letter to Menoeceus' by Epicurus, in 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / f. Good as pleasure ]

Full Idea

When we say that pleasure is the goal we do not mean the pleasures of the profligate or the pleasures of consumption, but rather the lack of pain in the body and disturbance in the soul.

Gist of Idea

Pleasure is the goal, but as lack of pain and calm mind, not as depraved or greedy pleasure

Source

Epicurus (Letter to Menoeceus [c.291 BCE], 131)

Book Reference

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.30


A Reaction

I don't really understand the aspiration to a 'calm mind'. No one likes stress, but total calmness sounds close to non-existence. The mean! There is no achievement without pain.