Let’s talk about pleasure. No, not that kind of pleasure—unless that’s your thing, then hey, you do you. I’m talking about the kind of pleasure that doesn’t involve swiping a credit card, planning a two-week vacation, or buying yet another gadget that promises to make you more productive (spoiler: it won’t). I’m talking about the small, everyday pleasures that Epicurus, our ancient Greek philosopher friend, believed were the keys to a good life. Picture a guy who understood that true happiness isn’t found in hoarding wealth or living in a mansion but in savoring the quiet moments, good conversations, and, yes, even a little hedonism, as long as it’s done mindfully.
Epicurus wasn’t about indulging every craving you’ve ever had. He was more into understanding which pleasures actually lead to long-term happiness and which ones just leave you regretting your decisions (looking at you, late-night online shopping). Here’s the catch: Epicurean happiness isn’t about chasing thrills but about finding contentment in what you already have. Simple, right? Yet, in today’s consumer-driven world, it feels harder than ever to apply.
Less Stuff, Less Stress: The Art of Letting Go
Our modern society has a serious “stuff” problem. We’ve been trained to believe that happiness is only one Amazon order away. But, as Epicurus would tell you, the more things you have, the more you have to take care of—and the more stressed out you become. It’s the philosopher’s version of “mo’ money, mo’ problems.” Want proof? There’s a story about a philosopher who, after seeing a boy drink water from his cupped hands, threw away his only cup. His reasoning? Why complicate life when the simplest solution is right in front of you?
Now, I’m not saying you need to go full minimalist and live in a tiny house with nothing but a yoga mat and a house plant. But there’s wisdom in letting go of the stuff that doesn’t actually make you happy. Sure, that extra fancy blender is cool, but is it really going to spark joy every morning? Probably not. The less you have, the less you have to manage, repair, clean, and stress about.
Here’s the hard truth: society pushes us to want more. But Epicurus? He figured out that the less you need, the more freedom you gain. So maybe it’s time to Marie Kondo your life—Epicurean style.
Simple Pleasures: The Real Key to Happiness
Forget the idea that happiness is reserved for the major life milestones—like finally paying off your student loans (ha!) or getting that promotion. Epicurus was all about finding joy in the everyday moments. You know, the ones that don’t make it to your Instagram story but make you smile nonetheless.
What does that look like in real life? Well, for me, it’s the warmth of sunshine on my skin, the luxury of a hot bath, or the feeling of grass beneath my toes. It’s the first sip of morning coffee when the house is still quiet or watching your favorite show without the guilt of unfinished work hanging over your head. These are the kinds of pleasures that Epicurus would have thrown a party for—small, but incredibly satisfying.
And the best part? They’re free. You don’t need to max out your credit card or take a sabbatical to experience them. You just need to notice them, which, let’s be honest, isn’t always easy in a world where “hustle culture” is practically a religion. But once you start tuning in, you’ll realize that happiness isn’t about more—it’s about enough.
Friendship: Your Real Wealth
Epicurus also knew that one of the greatest sources of happiness comes from something you can’t buy: friendship. And no, I’m not talking about the random people you keep in touch with via emojis and memes. I’m talking about real, deep connections—the kind where you can call someone at 2 a.m. with a crisis and know they’ll pick up.
In today’s world, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea that the more people you have in your life, the better. But how many of those people are you truly connected to? Epicurus would argue that a handful of close friends is worth more than a thousand superficial acquaintances. So, maybe it’s time to stop scrolling and start nurturing the relationships that actually bring you joy.
Stop FOMO-ing and Start Living
One of the core principles of Epicurean philosophy is minimizing pain—and by pain, I don’t mean the sting of a breakup or the heartbreak of missing out on the newest iPhone. I’m talking about the self-inflicted pain of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Epicurus would tell you that most of the things we stress over are completely unnecessary. Worried that you’re not attending every social event, climbing the corporate ladder fast enough, or staying ahead of every trend? He’d give you a look and remind you that life is happening right now—not on your Instagram feed, not in your inbox, and definitely not at the next networking event you’re dreading.
Instead of constantly worrying about what you’re missing, focus on what’s in front of you. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday with nowhere to be or a quiet evening with a good book, embrace it. Because here’s the truth: happiness isn’t found in doing everything. It’s found in doing enough.
The Epicurean Exercise: Simple Pleasures in Real Time
Want to put this into practice? Here’s an exercise that will help you start living like an Epicurean today. Set a timer for five minutes and write down all the small things that make you smile. You know, the everyday stuff that often gets lost in the shuffle of “important” things. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh laundry, the sound of rain, or the satisfaction of checking something off your to-do list. Whatever it is, write it down and see how many small pleasures you’re already surrounded by.
Then, do one of them. Or two. Or ten. You deserve it.
Building a Life You Love
The bottom line? Living like an Epicurean doesn’t mean abandoning modern life and moving to a cave (though that does sound tempting some days). It means slowing down, savoring the moments that make life sweet, and letting go of the pressure to constantly do or have more. The truth is, happiness is right here, right now. It’s in the small pleasures, the real friendships, and the freedom that comes from knowing that you already have enough.
So take a breath, notice what makes you smile, and start building a life that feels good—one simple pleasure at a time.