January 1, 2024 - First Monday Epicurean Philosophy Discussion - Via Zoom

Hello, Kalosyni, and members of Epicurean Freinds. My name is Raphael-Raúl, and I have been a member of Epicurean Friends for about a month now. I have been studying philosophy in general since I was about 19 years of age, sixty-something years ago. I have been reading Epicurean philosophy on my own, on and off, for about twenty years. After studying many philosophies over decades, I found that Epicurean philosophy was the one that most strongly resonated with my way of life as an artist, and how I have approached my life. Searching for freedom, especially freedom from the mob that is society in general, Independent self-sufficiency, the seeking of intellectual and artistic pleasure, and those of the body and heart, when not enslaving and disturbing, has been my approach to living. Epicurean philosophy, especially in the last two years through much reading, has again reaffirmed my own instincts towards how I want and have lived my life. I seek a deeper understanding of this most logical, practical, and pleasurable way to live by discussing it with other Epicureans.
...I want to attend the first Monday meeting today, January 1st, 2024.
Please let me know how to attend. I assume I will receive a link by email for the Zoom meeting today at 8 pm.

Thank you as always for your work in coordinating the meeting!

Thank you for the meeting and guiding the discussion.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is not to argue, even in the kind of cordial argument that takes place here – and even recognizing the virtues of that for learning. [And I do not mean argument here in any pejorative sense: merely “to contend or disagree with words” (Merriam-Webster) – which need not be “disagreeable”.] It is just a personal intention, trying to influence my own ataraxia.

Thanks to everyone who attended the online meeting last night.
For me, it was wonderful to be in the presence of lovers of philosophy and particularly students of what I describe as the logical, practical, and pleasurable philosophy that a man named Epicurus remarkably developed more than 23 centuries ago, for us to guide our lives, to be pleasant and filled with the guiltless pleasures of the mind, and the body. ..Special thanks to Kalosyni for organizing the meeting and posing an interesting question for us to ponder.
....I would love to attend this Wednesday's study session, but I have an art class to instruct on Wednesday evenings.