Epicurus developed a philosophical system and established a way of life that deserve respect and understanding, perhaps even our devotion. In the ancient Mediterranean, this way of life attracted hundreds of thousands of followers in communities that lasted over 600 years. However, from the very beginning of his teachings, his message met with reactions and was distorted first by academic philosophers and political power, and later by Christians.

Even today, critics of Epicureanism continue to misrepresent it, portraying it as an intellectually lazy, shallow, hedonistic, immoral, or atheistic parody of true philosophy. Today, Epicureanism has come to mean its opposite: a sophisticated zeal for rare and expensive foods and drinks. Please, find the courage to ignore a two-thousand-year-old prejudice, and evaluate this philosophy by judging its remarkable merits. This book provides you with the testimonies you need.

D. S. Hutchinson