Finding Tranquility in the Face of the Death: Epicurus and the Art of Living Well
As a clinical psychologist, I often sit in therapy with clients grappling with the anxieties that arise when confronting the inherent uncertainties and limitations of life. The concept of mortality, the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe, and the burden of freedom can be overwhelming to many clients. In these moments in therapy, I often find myself looking to the writings of Epicurus, whose philosophy offers a framework for navigating existential conflict and addressing the fear of death.
Epicurus was a proponent of ataraxia, a state of tranquility and freedom from disturbance, and aponia, the absence of physical pain.
The Concepts of Ataraxia and Aponia
Epicurus centred his ethical system on the belief that the ultimate goal of life is happiness or pleasure (in the sense of a tranquil state, not sensual excess). This goal is achieved through the twin concepts of ataraxia and aponia.
1. Ataraxia (Freedom from Mental Disturbance)
Ataraxia literally translates to "untroubledness" or "impassivity." It is the ideal state of mind for the Epicurean sage and is considered the highest form of pleasure.
Focus: The soul or mind.
Description: It is a state of tranquility, serenity, and freedom from fear, anxiety, and distress. Epicurus believed that the greatest threats to happiness were mental anguish, particularly the fear of death, the fear of the gods, and the anxiety arising from unfulfilled desires. $Ataraxia$ is achieved by understanding the natural limits of one's desires (and satisfying only the natural and necessary ones) and by applying rational thought to dispel irrational fears.
Achieved By: Philosophical study, cultivating meaningful friendships, and reflecting on the limits of desire and the nature of the universe.
2. Aponia (Absence of Physical Pain)
Aponia translates to "freedom from pain." While ataraxia deals with the mind, aponia is the corresponding state for the body.
Focus: The body.
Description: It is the state where the body is in complete health and comfort, free from physical suffering. Epicurus taught that once the body is free from pain, the level of physical pleasure cannot increase further; the absence of pain is the limit of bodily pleasure.
Achieved By: Maintaining good health, eating and drinking moderately, and avoiding circumstances that lead to physical discomfort or injury.
In summary, the Epicurean life of pleasure is not about seeking intense, fleeting gratification, but about establishing a stable and lasting condition of mental peace and bodily comfort. Epicurus wrote, "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." This is an invitation to cultivate an appreciation for present blessings and to recognise the futility of chasing endless desires.
The Theraputic Perspective
From an existential therapeutic perspective, particularly drawing on the insights of Existential Therapists Rollo May and Irvin Yalom, the Epicurus perspective resonates deeply. May, a pioneer of existential psychology, emphasized the importance of confronting our freedom and responsibility, which can often lead to anxiety. Yalom, known for his focus on the "givens of existence" (death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness) recognized that an authentic encounter with these truths is essential for a rich and meaningful life.
How can Epicurus's wisdom inform your perspective on life, particularly concerning death anxiety?
1. Re-evaluating Our Desires: The Epicurean Hedonic Calculus
Epicurus taught that "We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink." This highlights the importance of quality relationships and simple pleasures over material accumulation. In therapy, when a client expresses anxieties about not having achieved enough or not experiencing enough before death, we can explore their underlying desires. Are they genuinely their own, or have they been influenced by societal pressures?
Technique: You can write a "Desire Inventory" where you list your core desires and then evaluate which ones genuinely contribute to your well-being and which ones might be sources of unnecessary striving. You can then apply an Epicurean lens, asking: "Does this desire truly lead to ataraxia and aponia, or does it create more disturbance in my life?"
2. Confronting the Fear of Death: "Where I am, death is not; where death is, I am not."
Perhaps Epicurus's most direct assault on death anxiety lies in his argument that death is nothing to us. Since all ‘good’ and ‘bad and evil’ lie in sensation, and death is the loss of sensation, then death is not an evil. This logical reasoning, while not always instantly comforting, can be a helpful cognitive reframing.
Therapeutic Technique: Cognitive Restructuring for Death Anxiety. You can actively challenge your catastrophic thoughts about death using Epicurus's logic. For example, if you fear the pain of dying, you can explore the idea that the experience of pain is a living experience, and death itself is the cessation of all experience. If the fear is of "non-existence," you can consider Epicurus's point that where we are, death is not. It’s about being present and recognizing that the future state of "not being" is not something we experience.
3. The Power of Friendship and Community: A Buffer Against Existential Isolation
Epicurus believed that friendship was one of the greatest sources of pleasure and a fundamental component of a good life. "Of all the means which wisdom acquires to ensure happiness throughout the whole of life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friendship." This quote speaks directly to Yalom's "given" of existential isolation. While we are ultimately alone in our subjective experience of life, meaningful connection can provide immense comfort and a sense of belonging.
Therapeutic Technique: "Circles of Connection." You can map out your social support network, identifying who brings you joy, solace, and a sense of belonging. You can then explore how to nurture and expand your connections, recognising their vital role in mitigating feelings of isolation and providing a sense of shared humanity in the face of life's challenges.
4. Living a Virtuous Life: The Path to Inner Peace
Epicurus believed that living a life of prudence, honor, and justice was the most effective way to achieve pleasure and avoid pain. He understood that actions leading to guilt or social discord ultimately undermine ataraxia.
Therapeutic Technique: Values Clarification and Alignment. You can identifying your core values and then examine how your current actions align with these values. If there's a significant disconnect between your values and actions, this will lead to inner conflict and anxiety. By consciously striving to live in accordance with your values, you can cultivate a greater sense of integrity and inner peace, reducing regret and fostering a sense of a life well-lived. This, in turn, can lessen your death anxiety by creating a feeling of completion and authenticity.
The writings of Epicurus, when integrated with the principles of existential therapy, offers a useful lens through which to examine and alleviate the profound anxieties of human existence. By re-evaluating our desires, confronting the reality of death, making meaningful connections, and living virtuously, we can move towards a life characterised not by a avoidance of suffering, but by a profound appreciation for the present moment and a tranquil acceptance of our ultimate end. As Epicurus stated, "A free life cannot acquire many possessions, because this is no easy feat without servility to mobs or monarchs." It's a reminder that true freedom, and true peace, often lie in simplicity, introspection, and authentic connection.