Talk:Doctrine 12/@comment-97.120.52.228-20100918044007

It is interesting that Epicurus notes the devastating effect of irrational fears on "matters of the highest importance" to us. He gives no quarter on the indulgence of irrational or superstitious "legends." He is warning that even the most intelligent person will suffer unhappiness because of their belief in those legends and the attendant "dread" they foster. The fix is to study the natural world and have a grasp of its essential nature -- a world that does not, via understanding, foster or create a greater "dread" than the legends. The natural world is not therefore a malevolent universe, but one that is understandable and knowable. Knowing that, one can actually achieve happiness. Wes Costello