University of Illinois Stoic Perspective on Good Life Paper

For this discussion, you will once again use your imagination, show some familiarity with the material, and have a little fun! University of Illinois Stoic Perspective on Good Life Paper

1. First respond to a post from the last discussion ( file attached). Respond to it from a Stoic perspective.

2. You will choose a Roman name (https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/roman_names….) and pretend to be a Roman who believes in Stoicism when writing your post. Be creative with your new character. For instance, you can add in little details drawn from (https://www.ancient.eu/article/637/roman-daily-lif…) or other places where you find appropriate information, which explains the life of an ancient Roman. The point is to try to play the character and have fun with it!

3. Within your response, explain what you believe in as a Stoic. Be sure to emphasize a minimum of at least two of the main concepts we have gone over in the class material and use at least one quotation in your post spoken by the master himself, Epictetus. Once you have provided some background, point out at least one area of disagreement between you and the Epicurean whose post you are responding to. Keep it respectful!

Your post should be at least 300 words not including the quotation you will need to use but longer is fine. Be sure to examine the rubric associated with this forum closely so that you know exactly how your post will be graded. When writing your assignment it is best to try to satisfy all of the requirements in the “Exceptional” box of the rubric.

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What is a “good life?” As an Epicurean this is the question I ask myself everyday. As I tend to the home and await the return of my husband from work, I examine what I am doing- is it necessary? Does it bring me joy? Is it contributing to the quality and simplicity of my life? I have found that these examinations and questions in my everyday life have improved my life. Epicurus would argue that understanding and accepting philosophy will lead you to develop reason, become wiser, and, in-turn, improve your overall happiness. Some central concepts worth observing by all Epicureans, including myself, are those of existence, pleasure, and simplicity and their roles in human life. Many view pleasure as a hedonistic concept and believe there is something inherently “evil” or “wrong” with searching for optimal pleasure and satisfaction in life. But I think that they are missing the true value of the role of pleasure in one’s life. I understand where they come from and can see how one may think pleasure is not the priority of life nor should it be. University of Illinois Stoic Perspective on Good Life Paper

However, I think if you are able to distinguish different types of pleasure and determine how they fit into your day-to-day life with prudence, then you will also be able to understand certain restrictions on and consequences of unnecessary desires. Epicurus believed that there were no “bad” pleasures, only bad ways of attaining them. A good way of summarizing how we Epicureans feel about pleasure is this: there are no consequences to natural pleasures. So go care for your sheep and use them only for what is necessary in order to live happily, sustainably, and guilt/consequence free. One other very important issue to address in terms of Epicurean belief is existences itself (and also the lack thereof). You see, as an Epicurean it is our belief that we are all just parts of a system. Parts that are formed together just as easily as they can be taken apart. Epicurus once said: “understanding that death is nothing to us makes the mortality of life enjoyable, not by adding to life an unlimited time, but by taking away the yearning after immortality.”

Death is nothing, it is just a lack of our own existence, and is not perceivable to us. As we die, our parts are broken down along with our awareness. As our awareness fades so does our ability to perceive our death. If you do not fear your existence pre-birth, then why fear it post-death? This idea is why we believe that he who is not fearful of death will experience a well-balanced Ataraxia and will, therefore, be ultimately wise. I will leave you with this: if anything I have written to you has intrigued you or caused you to question anything… just remember that Epicurus believed that it was never to late to begin seeking out wisdom and therefore finding your true happiness and meaning in life. All the best, Khione …