Talk:Doctrine 5/@comment-3069206-20110104052919/@comment-71.225.3.186-20120930150833

Living pleasantly for Epicurus is living without agitation, anxiety and fear, being comfortable and confident with who we are, far removed from even a trace of being sexually twisted or repressed or violent or greedy for such things as wealth, fame, status and political advantage. Without being burdened by these negativities and hankerings, we are free to think in a calm and clear way. Rather than reacting in knee-jerk fashion, we interact and respond sensitively to others and the world around us. What is the natural result of living such a life of Epicurean philosophy? A life lived wisely and honorably and justly, were we are seen by others as we are in fact – kind, courteous, honest, considerate and full of good will. A life lived wisely, honorably, justly and pleasantly are of one piece, like the four legs of a table. Remove any one of the legs and you no longer have a functioning table. Likewise, remove any one of these four qualities in us and our lives can quickly spin into a nail-biting, tension-riddled mess. Much better to stay with Epicurus in his garden and relax into the life we were meant by nature to lead. And remember, always mean what you say and say what you mean. A kind and gentle man has no place for Socratic Irony or feigned ignorance, for being snide or sarcastic or lashing out with a sharp tongue.