Articles

"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." — Leo Tolstoy

Morality is not dictated by popular opinion. Just because many people believe or participate in something does not make it right. Truth and righteousness stand independent of consensus, requiring individuals to think critically and act with integrity, even against the tide.

7 Life Lessons from Epicurus (Epicureanism) — Real Wisdom, No Filters

1. Pleasure is the Beginning and the End of a Happy Life

Let’s clear the air: Epicurus wasn’t preaching indulgence in luxury or hedonism gone wild. His pleasure was refined—calm, sustainable. It’s about peace of mind, not chasing dopamine hits. He knew pleasure is the foundation of happiness, but it’s the right kind of pleasure—mental tranquility (ataraxia) over fleeting thrills.

Key lesson: Seek the pleasures that free you, not enslave you.

2. Freedom from Fear = True Liberation

Epicurus said most suffering isn’t real—it’s imagined. Fear of death. Fear of gods. Fear of loss. These keep us trapped. But once you realize death is just non-existence and the gods aren’t meddling in your business? Boom—mental chains fall off.

Let go of cosmic anxieties. You don’t need divine permission to live well.

3. Not All Desires Deserve to Be Fulfilled

Epicurus categorized desires—natural & necessary (like food, shelter), natural but unnecessary (like luxury food), and vain/empty (fame, power). The goal? Strip life down to what actually matters. If a desire creates more anxiety than peace, ditch it.

Learn the art of saying “no” to what doesn’t serve your peace.

4. Friendship > Romance, Wealth, Status

Epicurus didn’t just tolerate friendships—he revered them. He considered them a top-tier pleasure. Why? Because a good friend is a fortress, a mirror, and a safe harbor in life’s storms. You don’t own a friend. You trust them.

A shared laugh at midnight beats a lonely throne.

5. Live Modestly, Think Richly

He lived in a garden with simple food and deep thoughts. Epicurus knew that excess often brings chaos. The good life is about balance—not deprivation, not indulgence. Minimal needs, maximal clarity.

Simplicity is strength. Complexity breeds craving.

6. Philosophy is a Daily Practice, Not a Theoretical Escape

For Epicurus, philosophy wasn’t a lecture—it was a lifestyle. If your philosophy can’t help you sleep better, choose wisely, or find peace, then what good is it? His school wasn’t ivory tower—it was a sanctuary for practical wisdom.

Philosophy is for your real life, not just your bookshelf.

7. You Own Your Time—Spend It Like Gold

Epicurus treasured time like a rare wine. Don’t waste it on drama, shallow pursuits, or chasing approval. Life is short, but that’s not a curse—it’s a call to prioritize. Focus on what feels right, not what looks good.

Invest your time like a philosopher, not a consumer.

Final Word?

Epicureanism is not about escaping life—it’s about mastering it with clarity, calm, and a whole lot of wisdom. It’s the quiet power of knowing what matters—and having the courage to let go of everything else.

Want peace? Get precise. Want joy? Get disciplined.

Epicurus didn’t whisper the truth. He lived it. Your turn.

"That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor" is a comprehensive biography by Anne Sebba that explores the life of Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee who became one of the most controversial figures in British history. Published in 2011, this work is notable for being the first full biography of Simpson written by a woman, offering a fresh perspective on her life and the societal implications of her relationship with King Edward VIII.

Sebba delves into Wallis's early life, tracing her journey from a middle-class upbringing in Baltimore to her rise as a socialite in England. The biography examines the complexities of her character, portraying her as both a glamorous figure and a victim of public scrutiny. Sebba challenges the long-held perceptions of Simpson as a manipulative seductress, instead presenting her as a woman caught in extraordinary circumstances that led to her becoming the Duchess of Windsor.

The book also addresses the infamous abdication crisis of 1936, when Edward VIII chose to give up the throne to marry Wallis, a decision that shocked the world and altered the course of British monarchy. Sebba explores the psychological dynamics of their relationship, suggesting that Edward's deep-seated insecurities and emotional issues played a significant role in their union.

Through meticulous research and access to previously unseen letters and documents, Sebba paints a nuanced portrait of Wallis Simpson, revealing the complexities of her life and the societal pressures she faced. The biography not only sheds light on Wallis as an individual but also reflects on broader themes of love, sacrifice, and the often harsh judgments placed on women in the public eye.

Shouting in the face of the oppressor about his cruelty is a fight for justice.

Rejecting coercive manipulations shows one's self-respect.

Standing against the perpetrators of ugly dirty deeds is an honorable act done in the name of goodness.

Telling the uncultured, vulgar, bigoted remnants of humanity who boast of their brainlessness that you don't like them is to put these imbeciles in their place.

Power is a sign of justice in the hands of the righteous,

It is an instrument of oppression in the hands of the oppressor.

Life is a line that ends for everyone and equates everyone with separation from the world.

What awaits man in eternity is what he has done during his life and what he has written in the book of his soul.

Blessed are the good and those on the side of goodness...

Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, profoundly captured the essence of human anxiety about existence and purpose in his meditations. His quote, "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live," serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life imbued with meaning and engagement rather than merely existing.

To dissect this thought, we must delve into the concept of 'living' as envisioned by Aurelius. Unlike the modern existential dread often characterized by an obsession with material success or superficial benchmarks, Aurelius advocates for a life of virtue and moral integrity. He champions the idea that the quality of one’s life is determined not by external accolades or achievements, but by internal virtues and wisdom.

In practical terms, Aurelius' philosophy encourages us to engage deeply with our passions and to cultivate relationships that enrich our spirit. It invites introspection on our values and daily practices, urging a life of mindfulness where each action is infused with purpose and awareness.

The true fear, then, as Aurelius points out, is not the inevitable end that death presents, but the tragic loss potential of a life not fully lived—of opportunities not taken, of relationships not deepened, and of passions not pursued. In the modern context, this could translate to overcoming inertia and complacency, daring to step out of comfort zones, and engaging actively with our communities and our own inner development.

Thus, embracing Aurelius' perspective means recognizing that our finite time should not be squandered in fear or inactivity. Instead, we should strive to live authentically and fully, making deliberate choices that align with our deepest values and aspirations. Only through such a fearless engagement with life can we truly fulfill our potential and leave behind a legacy of wisdom and virtue.