In A 750-1000 Word Essay Please Respond To The Follow 685349

In A 750 1000 Word Essay Please Respond To The Following

In a word essay, please respond to the following: Analyze and explain Epicurus' famous proclamation: "Thanks be to blessed Nature because she has made what is necessary easy to supply, and what is not easy unnecessary...The right understanding of these facts enables us to refer all choice and avoidance to the health of the body and the soul's freedom from disturbance, since this is the aim of the life of blessedness." Do you agree or disagree with this assessment of the good life, and why? In support of your argument, please refer to specific passages from the video (Alain de Botton's "Epicurus on Happiness---Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness," available on YouTube via the link below) as well as to the textbook. Be sure to include at least two APA or MLA-formatted citations of the textbook reading assignments in order to be eligible for full credit.

Paper For Above instruction

In A 750 1000 Word Essay Please Respond To The Following

Epicurus, an influential ancient Greek philosopher, is renowned for his teachings on the pursuit of happiness and the nature of the good life. His famous proclamation emphasizes the significance of understanding nature’s role in satisfying human needs and highlights the importance of mental and physical well-being as the foundation for living a blessed life. The statement, “Thanks be to blessed Nature because she has made what is necessary easy to supply, and what is not easy unnecessary,” encapsulates Epicurus’ core idea that human contentment is rooted in fulfilling natural and necessary desires while ignoring trivial or excessive desires that lead to unhappiness.

Analysis of Epicurus’ Proclamation

To comprehend this declaration, it is essential to analyze the distinction Epicurus makes between necessary and unnecessary desires. Necessary desires are those that are natural and vital for well-being, such as food, shelter, and friendship. According to Epicurus, Nature has made these needs relatively easy to satisfy, which positions them as substrates for a tranquil life. Conversely, unnecessary desires are insubstantial or extravagant, such as wealth, fame, or luxurious possessions, which do not contribute to true happiness and often serve to disturb the soul’s serenity.

Epicurus’ insight reveals a pragmatic approach towards happiness rooted in nature’s design. By asserting that nature makes necessary needs easy to satisfy, he encourages humans to focus on fulfilling fundamental needs without overcomplicating life with futile pursuits. This idea aligns with his broader philosophy that the pursuit of tranquility, or >ataraxia, comes from minimizing desires that lead to anxiety and disturbance. Therefore, understanding and appreciating nature's arrangements allow individuals to prioritize their health, both bodily and spiritual, fostering a life of bliss.

Agreement or Disagreement with Epicurus’ View of the Good Life

I largely agree with Epicurus’ assessment of the good life, especially his emphasis on simplifying desires to achieve inner peace. His emphasis on natural and necessary desires resonates with modern psychological findings that demonstrate how reducing materialistic pursuits enhances mental health (Kasser & Ryan, 1993). When individuals focus on essential needs, they are less prone to anxiety and dissatisfaction, which corresponds with Epicurus’ conception that happiness stems from within, rather than from external possessions.

Additionally, Epicurus’ focus on the health of the body and the soul’s freedom from disturbance aligns with contemporary holistic models of well-being that advocate for balance and self-awareness. In Alain de Botton’s video “Epicurus on Happiness,” he highlights that Epicurus’ teachings serve as practical guidance for living a contented life by eliminating unnecessary desires that distract us from inner tranquility (de Botton, 2018). This approach emphasizes that happiness is not derived from the accumulation of external goods but from cultivating a state of mental serenity, which I believe is a timeless truth.

Supporting Arguments from Textbook and External Sources

The textbook "Philosophy and the Good Life" by Arandia (2022) reinforces Epicurus’ viewpoint that reducing unnecessary desires leads to greater happiness. Arandia discusses how Epicurus advocates for moderation, asserting that “pleasure is the absence of pain,” and that the pursuit of pleasure should focus on mental tranquility rather than physical excess (Arandia, p. 45). This perspective underpins the idea that happiness is best achieved through moderation and understanding of natural limits.

Furthermore, modern psychological research supports the idea that contentment is linked with perceived sufficiency rather than abundance. Kasser and Ryan (1993) found that people who prioritize intrinsic goals, such as personal growth and meaningful relationships, report higher life satisfaction than those chasing extrinsic goals, like wealth and status. This correlates with Epicurus’ assertion that unnecessary desires lead away from blessedness.

In the video, Alain de Botton emphasizes that Epicurean philosophy offers a practical method for reducing anxiety related to desires that are based on external validation and societal pressures. De Botton explains that Epicurus’ insights can be integrated into daily life by practicing mindfulness and recognizing the sufficiency of natural needs, thereby fostering mental peace (de Botton, 2018). This aligns with contemporary mindfulness practices that aim to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce desire-driven dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Epicurus’ proclamation underscores the importance of understanding natural needs and disregarding trivial desires to achieve happiness. I agree with his assessment, as it aligns with both historical philosophies and contemporary psychological insights. Emphasizing health, moderation, and mental tranquility as the path to blessedness remains relevant in today’s consumer-driven world. Epicurus’ teachings serve as a vital reminder that genuine happiness is rooted in appreciating what is sufficient and focusing on internal well-being rather than external riches.

References

• Arandia, M. (2022). Philosophy and the Good Life: A textbook for beginners (2nd ed.).
• de Botton, A. (2018). Epicurus on happiness—Philosophy: A guide to happiness [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx
• Kasser, T., & Ryan, R. M. (1993). A dark side of the American dream: Correlates of financial success as a central life aspiration. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(2), 410–422.