How to Be an Epicurean, Catherine Wilson
How to Be an Epicurean, Catherine Wilson
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How to Be an Epicurean
The Ancient Art of Living Well

Author: Catherine Wilson

Narrator: Ana Clements

Unabridged: 7 hr 52 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Basic Books

Published: 09/24/2019

Synopsis

A leading philosopher shows that if the pursuit of happiness is the question, Epicureanism is the answer
Epicureanism has a reputation problem, bringing to mind gluttons with gout or an admonition to eat, drink, and be merry. In How to Be an Epicurean, philosopher Catherine Wilson shows that Epicureanism isn't an excuse for having a good time: it's a means to live a good life. Although modern conveniences and scientific progress have significantly improved our quality of life, many of the problems faced by ancient Greeks -- love, money, family, politics -- remain with us in new forms. To overcome these obstacles, the Epicureans adopted a philosophy that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans. By applying this ancient wisdom to a range of modern problems, from self-care routines and romantic entanglements to issues of public policy and social justice, Wilson shows us how we can all fill our lives with purpose and pleasure.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Ryan on October 09, 2019

It’s about time that someone wrote an epicurean version of Massimo Pigliucci’s How to Be a Stoic. As rival philosophies, Epicureanism and Stoicism have a long history, and it’s nice to see them both vying for modern relevance. In How to Be an Epicurean, Catherine Wilson makes the case that Epicurean......more

Goodreads review by Kenia on February 10, 2020

I liked this book (3 stars), and I probably would have said I really liked this book by giving it 4 stars if it had been my first introduction to Epicureanism. As it is, I've already deeply read and studied Lucretius's On The Nature Of The Universe (and, as a result, consider myself to be a modern-d......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on September 21, 2019

Philosophy, in general, is something that greatly interests me. However, a barrier that has prevented me from further studying philosophy has been the accessibility of information. How to be an Epicurean by Catherine Wilson is the perfect book for someone who is interested in philosophy but doesn't......more

Goodreads review by Nina on October 18, 2021

Would've been a three if the author hadn't written about Stoicism, of which she obviously knows absolutely nothing. To anyone considering reading this book, just please please disregard everything she says about Stoicism. There's an article that Massimo Pigliucci (the author of How to Be a Stoic) wr......more

Goodreads review by Eduardo on August 10, 2022

Interesante.......more

Quotes

"An excellent debut... General readers interested in how the ancient Greeks viewed the good life will take great pleasure in Wilson's entertaining guide to Epicureanism for modern times."
—Publishers Weekly

"Wilson] guides readers through what can seem a very contemporary philosophy valuing rational thought, physical evidence, non-self-interested justice, and human free will.... This is a valuable introduction to a very influential philosophy."—Booklist

"A universe made only of atoms and empty space? No life after death? Carefree gods indifferent to mortals? Freedom from anxiety the highest good? These were basic themes in ancient Epicureanism, and Catherine Wilson shows eloquently how this ancient and most humane philosophy, when creatively interpreted and applied, can help us to live well in the world today. Even if this book does not make an Epicurean of you, it will teach you to appreciate and admire Epicurus's wisdom and his relevance for our times."—David Konstan, professor of classics, New York University

"So glad to see our Epicurean cousins back in the game! This is a new golden age of practical philosophy!"—MassimoPigliucci, author of How to Be a Stoic

"Catherine Wilson's book achieves something rare intellectually, the steep task its author explicitly sets for herself: it carves out an accessible explication of an idea, Epicureanism, to give readers more genuine, immediate agency over their lives. But this isn't a book for Epicureans, or only for Epicureans. It's a book for anyone who wants to use careful thought to make better considered, happier choices."—MatthewWolfson, journalist

"intelligent and readable"—The Economist

A spirited tour and defense of Epicurean philosophy . . .—City Journal

Wilson's command of her subject is unquestioned... All in all, she is an admirable guide along the Epicurean path.—The Post and Courier

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