I believe that the practical application of Epicurus' philosophy requires contemplation and reasoning.
It occured to me to create "if"..."then" statements.
Here is what came to me:
If Diogenes Laertius said of Epicurus that he used ordinary words which were lucid and clear...
QuoteThe terms he used for things were the ordinary terms, and Aristophanes the grammarian credits him with a very characteristic style. He was so lucid a writer that in the work On Rhetoric he makes clearness the sole requisite. [14] And in his correspondence he replaces the usual greeting, "I wish you joy," by wishes for welfare and right living, "May you do well," and "Live well."
...Then we can also emulate Epicurus by using clarity and lucidity in our choice of words when we speak or write.
Instead of "I love dark chocolate", I could instead say: "Dark chocolate has a pleasing taste to me".
The reason here is that the word "love" is vague and convoluted. It brings with it notions of the absolutes of love vs. hate. Also, it brings with it the complexity of desire and a subtle message that I must always possess what I love.
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Edit note: 11:10am ET - "...a subtle message that I must always possess what I love." --- This could be considered a vain opinion put forth by modern pop music, and so it is a societal construct.
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And so removing the word "love" with "is pleasing to me" is more "true" statement.
Thoughts? Agree or disagree?
And if anyone else has any "if - then" reasonings, please feel free to post here in this thread.