In the ancient world, two philosophical schools stood out for their radically different approaches to achieving the good life: Stoicism and Epicureanism.
While both sought happiness and contentment, they offered contrasting views on how to deal with pain, pleasure, and the nature of existence.
Today, these ancient teachings still resonate, with many people turning to Stoicism or Epicureanism for guidance on how to live fulfilling, meaningful lives.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between Stoicism and Epicureanism, and how their distinct views on life, emotions, and happiness can still be applied today.
The Foundations of Stoicism and Epicureanism
Stoicism: Embrace Virtue and Accept Fate
Stoicism was founded in the early 3rd century BCE by Zeno of Citium.
The Stoic philosophy teaches that we should live in harmony with nature and reason, practicing virtue as the highest good.
Stoics believe that while we cannot control external events, we can control how we react to them.
The key to happiness, according to Stoicism, lies in mastering our emotions and focusing on what is within our control.
Core Stoic Principles:
Virtue is the only true good.
Focus on what is within your control.
Accept fate (Amor Fati) and align with nature.
Use reason to overcome destructive emotions.
Epicureanism: Seek Pleasure and Avoid Pain
Epicureanism, founded by Epicurus in the late 4th century BCE, is often misunderstood as a philosophy of hedonism.
However, Epicurus taught that the key to happiness is ataraxia, a state of inner peace and freedom from pain.
The Epicurean path to the good life emphasizes simple pleasures, friendship, and the avoidance of unnecessary desires and anxieties.
Core Epicurean Principles:
Pleasure (absence of pain) is the highest good.
Seek tranquility and freedom from fear.
Avoid unnecessary desires and excess.
Simple living leads to happiness.
Key Differences Between Stoicism and Epicureanism
While Stoicism and Epicureanism both aim for a life of happiness and contentment, they approach it from opposite directions.
Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
Views on Pleasure and Pain
Stoicism:
Stoics see pleasure and pain as indifferent—they are neither good nor bad in themselves.
What matters is how we respond to them.
A Stoic strives to endure pain with dignity and avoid being swayed by pleasure.
Seneca, a Stoic philosopher, said:
“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
Epicureanism:
Epicureans prioritize pleasure, but not in the sense of indulgence.
Epicurus taught that the greatest pleasure is the absence of pain and mental disturbance.
A simple life free from excess is ideal for achieving long-term pleasure.
Epicurus said:
“It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and honorably and justly.”
View of the Cosmos and Fate
Stoicism:
Stoics believe in determinism, meaning everything in the universe happens according to a natural order or fate.
While we cannot change external events, we can choose how to react to them.
Acceptance of fate (Amor Fati) is central to Stoic philosophy.
Marcus Aurelius advised:
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Epicureanism:
Epicureans reject the idea of fate and believe in the randomness of the universe.
They were also atomists, holding that everything is composed of atoms and that the gods, if they exist, are indifferent to human affairs.
The focus is on making the most of life, as there is no predetermined fate to follow.
Emotions and Desires
Stoicism:
Stoicism teaches that destructive emotions like fear, anger, and jealousy arise from false judgments.
By using reason, we can train ourselves to be indifferent to external circumstances and maintain inner calm.
Epictetus said:
“Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them.”
Epicureanism:
Epicureans believe that desires, particularly unnecessary ones, are the source of suffering.
By reducing our desires to only what is natural and necessary, we can achieve a tranquil state of mind.
They also emphasize the importance of friendship and simple pleasures as key sources of happiness.
Epicurus stated:
“Of all the things that wisdom provides to help one live happily, the greatest by far is the possession of friendship.”
The Role of Virtue
Stoicism:
For the Stoics, virtue is the only true good, and living virtuously—acting with wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—is the path to happiness.
Everything else, including wealth, health, and pleasure, is secondary.
Marcus Aurelius wrote:
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
Epicureanism:
While Epicureans value virtue, they see it as a means to achieve pleasure and avoid pain rather than an end in itself.
For them, virtue leads to a life of tranquility and is not pursued for its own sake.
Stoicism vs. Epicureanism: Practical Applications
Dealing with Stress
Stoicism:
When faced with stressful situations, Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control and let go of everything else.
Through rational thinking and emotional resilience, a Stoic remains calm in the face of adversity.
Actionable Tip:
Practice the Dichotomy of Control by identifying what aspects of a stressful situation are within your control (e.g., your reactions, choices) and accepting the rest as outside of your power.
Epicureanism:
Epicureans would avoid stress by eliminating unnecessary worries and desires.
By simplifying life and focusing on basic pleasures, they reduce the sources of stress in their lives.
Actionable Tip:
Simplify your life by letting go of unneeded responsibilities and desires that cause stress.
Focus on activities that bring you genuine joy and peace.
Handling Desires and Pleasures
Stoicism:
A Stoic seeks to control desires and remain indifferent to both pleasure and pain.
Stoicism encourages moderation and self-discipline to avoid becoming a slave to desires.
Actionable Tip:
Reflect on your desires and ask yourself whether they are truly necessary.
Practice moderation in consumption and focus on inner contentment rather than external gratification.
Epicureanism:
Epicureans advocate fulfilling only natural and necessary desires (such as food and shelter) while avoiding excessive indulgence, which can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.
Actionable Tip:
Identify your natural and necessary desires (such as spending time with loved ones or enjoying simple meals) and focus on these to maintain inner peace.
Common Ground Between Stoicism and Epicureanism
While Stoicism and Epicureanism diverge in many ways, they share some common ground:
- Both philosophies emphasize self-control and advocate for mastering one’s desires and emotions.
- Both view inner peace as a key component of happiness, though they approach it from different angles.
- Both schools of thought seek to minimize suffering and emphasize simplicity and moderation in life.
Stoicism or Epicureanism—Which Philosophy Is Right for You?
Choosing between Stoicism and Epicureanism depends on your personal worldview and goals.
If you value virtue, resilience in the face of adversity, and emotional mastery, Stoicism may resonate more with you.
If you seek tranquility, the pursuit of pleasure through simplicity, and the elimination of unnecessary fears and desires, Epicureanism may be your guiding philosophy.
Both philosophies offer timeless wisdom that can help us live happier, more peaceful lives.
Whether you adopt the Stoic mindset of focusing on virtue and what you can control, or the Epicurean approach of seeking simple pleasures and inner tranquility, these ancient schools of thought provide valuable insights for modern life.