"Epicurus: Do Not Spoil What You Have"
by Thomas Oppong
"One word: insatiable. Economist Lionel Robbins observed our needs, wants, and desires can never be satisfied. Greek Philosopher Epicurus thought it was the reason for human misery. The pursuit of unnecessary desires, he thought, leads to unnecessary suffering. He observed an appreciation of life’s basic pleasures changes everything. Epicurus believed the art of living well is knowing when to be content. “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,” he wrote.
He warned his followers about the danger of insatiable desires and urged a mindful approach to our desires. “He who does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world,” he stated. Epicurus believed the obsession with everything we don’t have makes it incredibly hard to enjoy life. “We must, therefore, pursue the things that make for happiness, seeing that when happiness is present, we have everything; but when it is absent, we do everything to possess it,” says Epicurus. Born in 341 BCE on the island of Samos, off the coast of modern Turkey, Epicurus was famous for his incredible focus on what makes people happy.
The Garden: Epicurus reached the pinnacle of his life as a philosopher and teacher in Athens. At 32, he established his school, the Garden, a haven for philosophical discourse and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. During this peak period, he attracted diverse followers to the Garden.
The Garden, Epicurus’ communal living space, served as a practical manifestation of his teachings. It was not merely a physical garden but a symbolic space where Epicureans could cultivate the seeds of wisdom, friendship, and contentment. The point of the Garden idea was to create a space where individuals could escape the tumult of everyday life, free from unnecessary desires and anxieties. It was a place where the pursuit of happiness, in the form of ataraxia (tranquillity), was central.
Epicurus surrounded himself with friends, engaging in philosophical discussions and embracing a simple lifestyle. He said it was vital to achieving a state of contentment and peace of mind. His emphasis on simple pleasures, moderation, the value of friendship and the pursuit of a peaceful mind is still relevant today. In the pursuit of pleasure, Epicurus distinguished between physical and mental pleasures. “It is not the drink that is at fault, but the excess,” he contended. Epicurus himself lived modestly, advocating for a life of simplicity and moderation. His lifestyle was based on finding contentment in basic pleasures rather than constantly pursuing more.
The anxieties of things we don’t need: “Plain fare gives as much pleasure as a costly diet, when once the pain of want has been removed,” he reflected. His quote exemplifies his belief in finding joy in life’s basic pleasures rather than extravagant indulgence. At the heart of Epicurus’ teachings was the pursuit of ataraxia, a state of tranquillity and freedom from unnecessary desires. His philosophical principles aimed to liberate people from the anxieties of pursuing things we don’t necessarily need for a good life. In Epicurean philosophy, happiness is found in simplicity: finding joy in daily life - a warm home, nourishing meals, and the company of loved ones. “He who is not satisfied with a little is satisfied with nothing,” Epicurus wisely noted. “Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little,” he added. Applying his teachings can lead to a more balanced and content existence - a life unspoiled by the relentless pursuit of things you don’t need.
Friendship: a fundamental human need: Epicurus also highlighted the significance of friendship in a fulfilling life. “Of all the things which wisdom provides to make us entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship,” he asserted. Epicurus viewed friendship as an essential component of a fulfilling life. He believed solid and supportive relationships were crucial for achieving eudaimonia, the Greek concept of happiness or well-being.
In his view, true friendship provides a sense of belonging, shared values, emotional comfort and intellectual stimulation, all of which contributed to a meaningful and satisfying life. Invest in genuine and quality friendships. Appreciate the spirit of friendly company. According to Epicureans, genuine happiness lies in freeing oneself from the burdens of desire and finding contentment in the present. The uncertainty of the future can overshadow our happiness.
Epicurus’ admonition to “not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not” holds profound relevance for a simple life. We don’t appreciate what we have enough. Epicurus cautions against the trap of comparing your reality to idealised online portrayals. Or comparing yourself unnecessarily with people who may have what you don’t have. By all means, pursue your life goals. But learn to appreciate your unique circumstances.
Don’t obsess about wants. Focus on needs. Distinguish between genuine needs and unnecessary desires. When the pressure to accumulate consumes us, Epicurus’ wisdom suggests a mindset that values experiences more. In all your pursuits, learn to pause, reflect, and find joy in your present accomplishments. While ambition is commendable, find a balance - to not spoil the satisfaction of how far you’ve come by perpetually chasing the next best “want.” “If you can’t be happy with a coffee, you won’t be happy with a yacht.” – Naval
The idea is to avoid spoiling the satisfaction derived from current achievements by fixating solely on future ambitions. It’s a healthy way to safeguard ourselves from the corrosive effects of insatiable desires and, in turn, live a more content and fulfilling life."
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