The Illusory Walls of Safety

I am reflecting on the Epicurean sentiment that the ever-present threat of death is like living in a city without walls.

I then further reflect that Epicurus lived around a mile or more outside of the famous walls of Athens.

Surely, (1) the price was right, and (2) Epicurus teaches that withdrawal from the masses is best, but I also have to imagine that (3) some part of Epicurus was personally tickled that he and his allies were living a pleasant existence, undisturbed by the fear of death, without walls.