The Hellenisitc philosopher Epicrus was concerned with howindividuals cope when confronted by traumatic changes in the lives.He estalished the ” doctrine of pleasure” and the centerpiece ofthe doctrine was to concentrate on pleasure while reducing thesources of physical and mental pain, fear,and suffering. Hecautioned that pleasure was not a license to run wild in societybut to always maintain moderation. Thus, it was essential tominimize being in politics, obessing gods and death, the world ofbusiness, and marriage. With practice, individuals would have peaceof mind and hence their soul would be anchored. He asserted allindividuals could practice this.

What do you think of his philosophy for today’s society? Sincewe have had so much misery this year, do you think his philosophyhas effective application? I do not want you to divulge yourpersonal lives if you feel uncomfortable.

I would like to be thoughtful on this and be specific.