Its founder was Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Although a prolific author, very little of Epicurus' work has survived into modern times. When I first studied Epicurean philosophy in the Eighties, the main textual sources were the poem De Rerum Natura by the Roman poet Lucretius (c. 99-55 BCE) and the biography of Epicurus by Diogenes Laërtius (c. 3rd Century CE).
How exciting to be told by Luke Slattery that there have been new discoveries in Turkey and Italy that is now adding to our knowledge of this particular philosophy. There is that and a lot more in this slender but thoughtful and entertaining book.
Slattery begins with a potted history of Epicureanism and an explanation of its basic principals for living the Good Life. He compares this model with our modern world and its need for exponential economic growth and consumption, and its by-products of pollution and ecological loss, and he asks a simple question: could an ancient philosophy of happiness save the world?
In the second part of the book, Slattery recounts his travels to Turkey and Italy to view some more recent discoveries relating to Epicurean philosophy. His sojourn in Turkey is particularly touching as it reveals how members of an ancient community may have lived their lives, informed by philosophy. The real excitement comes when he recounts how modern technology is allowing scholars to read charred papyrus scrolls preserved under the Vesuvian ash that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Slattery concludes the book with a chapter considering Epicurean philosophy, its influence on Karl Marx (who wrote his doctoral thesis on the philosophies of Epicurus and Democritus), and its resonances with the modern world. It could well be the cure for our ills.
Highly recommended, as is Epicurean philosophy. Thanks, Luke.
Luke Slattery is an Australian journalist.
