Posts by SamJ

Thanks Cassius, I think you've provided some interesting insight.

I particularly liked what you said about:

Quote

I see Epicurus as an ACTIVIST, as a scientific researcher and "crusader" for more pleasure and less pain, and not as the kind of stoic-like personality who is concerned primarily with controlling reactions to things that we resign ourselves to be out of our control.

I hadn't considered this perspective and I think it is really interesting.

I also had not thought that this article was reflective of the viewpoint of what Eoghan was posting against rather than for. So for me I have some useful angles to further explore.

Thanks

I may have swerved a little off on a tangent but I feel that this article that Martin Ferguson Smith (Epicurean scholar) wrote in a Shetland newspaper (he lives on a remote island of approx 30 people in the Shetlands) neatly expresses Epicureanism in a really great way which helps with this discussion topic.

Apologies, that was auto-correct on my phone I meant Etsy. (I've edited the post above to reflect that).

Its quite an interesting consortium of small scale craft makers.

I haven't got much knowledge on 3D printers but from what you write it sounds like it could be a great idea.

Thanks, as per a previous post I'm keen on pendants and rings with Epicurean imagery and found this. I didn't buy it but liked the design and so will consider about getting one made via Etsy when things return to a normal.

This pendent comes from https://www.shapeways.com/product/R2YGLS…dant-1-5-inches

You can see the reverse side via the link.

FYI, I have never bought or used this shop so can't recommend it.

Also, I have a Samsung venu smart watch and have customised the face with an Epicurean logo so that's a really great constant reminder moreso then my mobile device.

Possibly.... "If you wish to make Pythocles rich, do not increase his means, but diminish his desire".

Welcome kenrob2037

Thanks Cassius.

Appreciate you explaining the icons. I've had a go at it now.

I looked up Martin Ferguson Smith whos scholarly work on Lucretius is very good.

He has an interesting website with a great article on Epicureanism and Covid-19 which is very much worth a read. https://www.martinfergusonsmith.com/

He has an interesting link to a really nice video on Diogenes of Oinoanda. Apologies if you have seen it before or if its already been posted. (I couldn't locate a thread on it).

The film is called A Gigantic Jigsaw Puzzle: The Epicurean Inscription of Diogenes of Oinoanda. 

https://www.metu.edu.tr/videos/giganticpuzzle

That's a fascinating video Don. Whilst slightly away from the Octups topic it reminded me of an interview about Dr Paul Brand. It should be noted he was a Christian but firstly he was a Doctor who spent his life researching pain, particularly those with Leprosy. There's a great interview on him in LA Times from years ago but his thoughts and views on pain are really interesting in how they align with his beliefs but also how i think that they too transcend Epicurean thought.

In the article he mentions briefly about how a Scientist alters a Dog's perception of pain and he notes how Humans can adjust their views on pain too.

Great video Eoghan. Fantastic content and contribution.

Thanks Godfrey, just read that thread and some really useful thoughts. Thank you for pointing this out.

I also found your suggestion about the atomic universe and its implications to be pretty interesting. Be keen to here more about that.

I am trying to find innovative ways of teaching my 4 year old elements of Epicureanism as i figured if you teach it you can master it. (Which can only be a great thing for me). .

This weekend I had a good opportunity to teach my 4 year old a little bit about 'what is terrible is easy to endure'. To which I think ill have lots of lesson plans here!!

I'd be keen to learn of Epicurean life hacks people have or how people apply Epicureanism in a practical way.

I've just come across this book, haven't bought it yet but couldn't find it mentioned in the search:

Reclaiming Epicurus Ancient wisdom that could save the world.

By Luke Slattery only 51 pages, ASIN: B00AJ3DMTO

Welcome WFC

I've done a bit of searching on William Bligh today. I haven't been able to establish any links to Epicurus or that of any earlier naval people e.g. Captain Cook, Sir Joseph Banks, Macquarie.

I was thinking if you'd have gone to the trouble of having a bespoke ring made of Epicurus (back then) you'd have documented his thinking in some of the writings or other aspects of his life.

A couple of months ago i went to the Maritime Museum in Australia and one of their displays was on William Bligh (1754-1817) he was an English naval Captain and a colonial governor of New South Wales, Australia. He was well known for his involvement in the mutiny on H.M.S Bounty.

As I strolled through, I came across the following ring and as I took a closer look realised what it was. Thought it might be of interest..

Yes, that's right. I believe it comes from Lucretius, The Nature of things, Book III, 830-869.

I used the website, Etsy, which is a collobartive platform that brings independent creators together so you can literally find anything. And you can message the sellers to get things designed how you like.

The creator/ shop I used was called SuedeSentiment.

I saw she had customisable scrolls. So I messaged her about what I was hoping to do , as I wanted that quote. And after some conversations she gave me a custom (Reserved listing) and this was all done within a couple of days. ( from start of convo, to around my neck).

The pendent itself isn't expensive, but it's unique, hand crafted, and ideal for myself. Approx $40AUD in total.

Coming into Aussie summer it'll be in the Bondi Sea and Sand and such.

I liked SuedeSentiment as (first time I have purchased from her) but she was helpful, local to Australia and the pendent measure approx 1.375 Inch so not too long.

If your browse Etsy I'm sure you'll find a creator that can do a design you'd like.

I like the fact it's a one of a kind, inexpensive momento that carries a cool Epicurean message.

If you wanted the same, I'm sure she could craft one again.

I read a post on New Epicurean about Epicurean rings and what you'd get inscribed on Epicurean momentos. As well as this thread, so I've recently got this pendent made. I wanted this in Latin:

Nil igitur mors est ad nos neque pertinet hilum

I had it made in the shape of a scroll and like the fact that it's a cool Epicurean reminder for me.

I noticed this morning 3rd May it got released on Audible Australia. The blurb slightly more detailed on Audible.

Quote

In a dissatisfied world, looking back to ancient wisdom can shed light on fresh solutions.

For years, many of us have upheld the Stoic concept of ‘no pain, no gain’. But in a time when we are burdened by the fear of failure and outsize ambitions, perhaps we should stop skirting around the edges of our problems via punishing exercise regimes, productivity apps and early morning starts.

According to the pleasure-centric philosophy of Epicureanism, life can be good without great sacrifice, and temptation isn’t always the enemy. The riches of the sensory world are there to be enjoyed, so long as your pursuit of pleasure doesn’t later bring you pain. Friendships ripen in restaurants. If the hangover is worth the fantastic night beforehand, go right ahead. Does your job bring you little satisfaction? Think it over. Are you a parent? Don’t sacrifice your own interests by catering to your child’s every whim. Are you unhappy in your relationship? Cut your losses - if you can do without, so much the better. If not, the time to find something better is now.

No honest philosopher can give you a formula for being happy. But philosophy can point the way to strategies for tackling the things that threaten our happiness. In The Pleasure Principle, Professor Catherine Wilson presents a framework for living not only comfortably and happily, but in a responsible and meaningful way

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So I've downloaded the audio book this morning. Will let you know thoughts.

Cheers

Sam

Many thanks.

I've ordered the DeWitt book unfortunately i won't be able to get my hands on it till June.

In the mean time I will be reading Epicurus and the Pleasant life and your Elemental Epicureanism.

Many thanks

Sam