Explain Epicurean Philosophy?

Rosalva Steinmann: Epicureans believe that the main reason for studying philosophy was practical: to make a happy life for yourself. They say that you would be happy if you had more pleasure in your life and less sadness. But sadness is caused by not getting what you want. Like if you want a new Game Boy and you don't get one, you feel sad. Or if you want to play basketball but you can't because of your asthma, then you feel sad. Or if you want a guy to go out with you but he doesn't want to, then you feel sad.The Epicureans say that the best way to be happy and not sad was to not want anything. It's wanting things that leads to pain. If you're always wanting more things, then you can't enjoy the things you do have, because you're always suffering the sadness of not having things. (You might want to compare this to the Chinese philosophy of Taoism). The Epicureans advised people not to make close friends or fall in love, because it could lead to sadness if your friend wen! t away or died. The less you want, the happier you will be....Show more