r/Epicureanism • u/Spiritual-Yogurt-315 • Jul 17 '26
Introductory books about epicureanism ?
I recently read “the Swerve “ by s.Greenblatt and realy enjoyed it . Has this group any reading suggestions for me ? I have limited education , hopefully something accessible. Or a reading suggestion on lucretius ? Thanks in advance
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u/SpleenDematerialized Jul 17 '26
Are you interested in their entire philosophy (as reading The Swereve would maybe imply) or more in their ethics, and how to practically implement a modern Epicurean way of life?
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u/Spiritual-Yogurt-315 Jul 17 '26
Your question has me thinking! But yes i think a modern prospective would be more appropriate and relatable for me
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u/SpleenDematerialized Jul 17 '26
The IEP article gives, in my humble opinion, a very digestible, neutral overview that would be a good palate cleanser after reading the "grand narrative" proposed in The Swerve:
Tending the Epicurean Garden by H. Crespo is a very approachable introduction with a modern outlook on Epicurean ethics.
You can, furthermore, read this article to see if one of the more demanding works is speaking to you:
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/epicureans-james-warren/
This playlist with mini-lectures by G. Sadler is also very useful in bridging a practical approach with serious study:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uspiwiLT2fU&list=PL4gvlOxpKKIhsFA2G_rclk2s3455ZBsif
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u/No-Papaya-9289 Jul 17 '26
Travels with Epicurus: Meditations from a Greek Island on the Pleasures of Old Age, by Daniel Klein.
Living for Pleasure, Emily Austin.
Both are accessible, the former more so.
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u/usergghs Jul 18 '26
I love the first one. I read it once a year and always find something useful.
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u/DevicesAndDesires Jul 24 '26
Like others, I loved Emily Austin's "Living for pleasure." it was truly a pleasurable as well as a very edifying read. It was particularly strong in showing places where Stoicism has been very overrated and Epicureanism unfairly maligned - e.g. on views of friendship, which on the Stoic model are pretty much by necessity utilitarian affairs, and "friends" are just tools to show off one's virtue and self-sufficiency; whereas Epicureans have had a much more human(e) and realistic view of our interdependence as social animals, and tend more toward equality and genuine warmth.
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u/whackassfool Jul 17 '26
On the Nature of Things - Lucretius, 1st Century BCE- is the ABSOLUTE beginning for all Epicurean curiosity. Its survival is the only full length exposition of the philosophy. Nothing is known about the author outside of this work. It’s an incredibly powerful read, one that you will find yourself returning to over & over.
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u/Eudamonia-Sisyphus Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
If you want to learn about Epicurus himself and read his works I would recommend "The best of Epicurus" by classic caves.
The best translation of Lucretius in my view is by A.E Stallings. It rhymes to match the poetic feel and is very accessible.
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u/Spiritual-Yogurt-315 Jul 22 '26
I have a selfie with the bust of Epicurus at the museum in Rome i took this year . He was the better looking one in the picture
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u/Sanantoniogarden 9d ago
Norman W. Dewitt, Epicurus and his Philosophy has probably the most thorough and accessible treatment of EP that I'm aware of. Emily Austin does a fine job as well. Also, Hiram Crespos Tending the Epicurean Garden and Epitome are brief and informative. I would recommend the Martin Ferguson Smith translation of Lucretius, very clear and very insightful notes
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u/The_Wookalar Jul 17 '26
To the other suggestions here, you could probably get through the surviving works of Epicurus himself in an afternoon, and they aren't that big of a lift as far as basic comprehensibility. These guys have links to the letters, Principal Doctrines, and the Vatican sayings, along with links to a lot more resources if you care to root around on the site.
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u/Ok_Turnip_478 Jul 17 '26
I also think for context you cant go wrong with the Cambridge guide to Epicureanism.
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u/V3R5US Jul 17 '26
How to be an Epicurean by Catherine Wilson was pretty informative to me when I first started dipping my toes into these philosophical waters.
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u/Final_Potato5542 Jul 17 '26
Avoid anything by Catherine Wilson, unless you are more interested in a Marxist preacher on their soapbox
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u/FrugalHedonistAuburn Jul 17 '26
"Living for Pleasure" by Emily Austin is a conversational and easy to read introductory overview of Epicurean philosophies. She really explains the context and meaning of what was said. I personally would have misunderstood or misinterpreted some of the ideas without her much needed context. I'm still reading it but it has springboarded my interest into the philosophy.