If you’re tired of chasing happiness like it’s a $20 bill blowing in the wind, perhaps it’s time to sit down with some Epicurus. No, he’s not a new wellness guru on Instagram—he was an ancient Greek philosopher who figured out happiness long before the algorithm. And surprise! The big revelation? Simple: Happiness isn’t found in massive achievements or luxury vacations. It’s actually right there, tucked inside the small, everyday pleasures we often overlook.
Meet Epicurus: The Simple Pleasures Guy
Epicurus knew what he was talking about. His philosophy was less about big life accomplishments and more about slowing down to notice the little things. He wasn’t advocating for endless indulgence; he was more the minimalist, savor-the-moment type. If Epicurus were alive today, he’d probably say, “Look, happiness is more about the warm fuzzies you get from a cup of tea than it is about racking up likes on your latest post.” (He’d definitely have some thoughts on social media, but more on that later.)
So, What Did Epicurus Think Happiness Was?
Contrary to what many believe, Epicurus wasn’t advocating for hedonism. Instead, he believed that real happiness came from appreciating what we already have. Picture this: a peaceful meal with friends, a quiet walk in nature, or even the simplicity of not feeling like you’re constantly missing out. Yep, Epicurus was that friend who tells you to relax and just enjoy your life.
Some of Epicurus’s favorite pleasures? They weren’t grand at all. He valued:
- Friendship – Epicurus believed one of life’s greatest pleasures was simply spending time with good friends. It was about quality connections, not follower counts.
- Simple Food – Imagine Epicurus savoring a humble loaf of bread and a slice of cheese (and likely rolling his eyes at us as we obsess over tasting menus and imported olive oils). He found joy in basic, delicious, no-frills food.
- Reflection – He advocated for time alone to think and ponder, something we could all use a little more of. He’d probably encourage us to switch the phone to “Do Not Disturb” and just sit with our own thoughts. Radical, right?
The Modern Dilemma: Constant Pings & Notifications
Now, Epicurus didn’t have to contend with the digital age’s nonstop notifications. Imagine his horror at today’s world where phones ding every few seconds, practically demanding our attention. Texts, emails, social media alerts—information overload is the modern-day “simple pleasures” enemy. It’s tough to find peace when your phone is buzzing like an over-caffeinated bumblebee, constantly reminding you of that email you didn’t reply to or that person you “should” call back.
To channel Epicurus in today’s world, we’d need to prioritize quiet moments over screen time. He’d probably encourage a daily dose of “Do Not Disturb” mode and recommend that we spend our mornings with a cup of coffee, staring out a window, instead of scrolling through a digital newsfeed.
How to Practice Epicurean Happiness Today
So, how can we live a little more like Epicurus? He didn’t suggest that we all move to a cabin in the woods and disconnect entirely. Instead, he would likely recommend taking small steps to savor what’s already here, right in front of us. Here are some modern ways to practice Epicurean happiness:
- Put the Phone Down (Just for a Bit) – Try turning off your notifications for an hour, and see how it feels. Grab a book, sit outside, or just observe what’s around you. Surprisingly, the world doesn’t fall apart if you ignore a few notifications.
- Focus on One Tasty Meal – Epicurus would say it’s okay to keep it simple. Instead of rushing through a meal, take a moment to really enjoy it. This could be a homemade dinner or even a snack you particularly like. Be present, taste every bite, and remember that food doesn’t have to be extravagant to be enjoyable.
- Savor the People You Like – Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even your pet, take time to genuinely connect without the distraction of devices. Epicurus was all about friendship and deep, meaningful conversations, not the shallow chatter we so often settle for.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Did you finally organize that drawer that’s been haunting you? High-five yourself. Epicurus would’ve appreciated the small accomplishments, knowing that happiness isn’t just about the big victories.
- Take Time for Solitude – Epicurus loved a bit of time alone to think and reflect. Set aside a few minutes each day to unplug, breathe, and maybe even ask yourself a deep question or two. No texts, no notifications, just you and your thoughts.
The Takeaway: Simple Pleasures Are Waiting for You
Epicurean happiness isn’t about radically transforming your life; it’s about showing up for the life you already have. The next time you’re tempted to think you need to change everything to be happy, take a step back and ask, “What little things am I overlooking?” Happiness is usually found in the quiet spaces, the unscheduled moments, and the unremarkable things that somehow make life feel…well, remarkable.
Simple Action Tip: Right now, find one thing you can genuinely enjoy. Maybe it’s a cozy chair, a sunny spot, or a piece of chocolate. Sit with it, savor it, and give it your full attention—just for a few minutes. Let that be your Epicurean moment today. Happiness doesn’t have to be a big production; it’s often as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in peace.