The Pleasure Principle cover art

The Pleasure Principle

Epicureanism: A Philosophy for Modern Living

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The Pleasure Principle

By: Catherine Wilson
Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown
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About this listen

In our troubled world, looking back to ancient wisdom can shed light on fresh solutions.

For years, many of us have upheld the Stoic belief in ‘no pain, no gain.’ But when the pace of modern life and the demands of jobs and family overwhelm us, punishing exercise regimes, productivity apps and early morning starts may not be the best solution.

According to the pleasure-centric philosophy of Epicureanism, life can be good without great sacrifice. By consciously practicing ‘choice and avoidance’ – by being strategic about our recreational, professional and familial pursuits – we can live with less fear and regret. By understanding our place in a world that came about by chance, we can gain greater perspective on our role within it and where our priorities should lie.

No honest philosopher can give you a formula for happiness, but in The Pleasure Principle, Professor Catherine Wilson explores how Epicureanism can provide a framework for thinking about life’s key issues, including family, death, politics, religion, wealth, science, and love.

©2019 Professor Catherine Wilson (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Ancient Education Ethics & Morality Europe Greece Greek & Roman History Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Happiness

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A really well written and beautifully read book, making a compelling argument for Epicurean philosophy by discussing classic material, and the modern applications.

Cleared up a lot of the questions I had about the difference to Stoic philosophy.

Engaging, informative, and persuasive.

Excellent primer and comparison with Stoicism

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Although this book may seem to be another of those philosophy-cum-self-help books, it's actually a very rich introduction to philosophy from an Epicurean point of view. The chapters in this book cover the basic philosophical questions of ontology, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind, love, death, social justice, and, above all, living the good life as Epicureans saw it. It's also never boring: the tone of the book is gentle, relaxed, accessible, yet scholarly and convincing. In Epicurean fashion, she begins each chapter with a summary, in the form of a quotation by Epicurus and his principle Roman advocate Lucretius, before going on to flesh out the philosophy it's based on. At the end of the book she addresses one of Epicureanism's great rivals, Stoicism, in exactly the fashion you'd expect a philosopher defending a philosophy would: unsympathetically. If you want to deepen your understanding of Epicurean philosophy, I strongly recommend this book.

Accessible, scholarly, convincing, and a pleasure

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Catherine Wilson does an outstanding job in linking ancient Epicureanism to our modern world and all the issues we face in the present day. She vividly shows how the Epicureans can greatly help us. Her writing is passionate and gripping from start to finish. This is a work of great quality that deserves to be widely read.

A brilliant piece of work

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Epicurean philosophy is just a pretext for the author to write a political screed which openly contradicts the teachings of Epicurus. He recommended avoiding politics and all attempts to change the world. She gives us a manifesto for the modern left, with a whole chapter on social justice. It’s anachronistic, dishonest and deceitful. It also completely misses the point of the Garden.

Anachronistic, dishonest and deceitful

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Not much about Epicureanism,more just the views of a lefty professor using Epicureanism to validate her views.

Epicureanism used as a political manifesto

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