Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded around 307 BC based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. Epicurus believed that the greatest good was to seek modest, sustainable pleasure in the form of a state of Ataraxia (tranquillity and freedom from fear) and Aponia (absence of bodily pain) through knowledge of the workings of the world and limiting desires.

There are not many works written by Epicurus (341–270 BC), the Ancient Greek philosopher, or Epicureans extant today. Only 3 letters written by him and 2 collections of quotes—the Principal Doctrines and the Vatican Sayings—have survived intact, along with a few fragments of his other writings. Here you can read online what are believed to be said by Epicurus.

The “Vatican Sayings” is a collection of quotes of Epicurus (341–270 BC) and other Epicureans preserved in a 14th century manuscript from the Vatican Library. Some sayings repeat what was published “Principal Doctrines” (PD). Only a few works have survived from the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus: —the 3 letters to his students and 2 collections of quotes—the Principal Doctrines and the Vatican Sayings.

The Epistle of Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BC) to Menoikeus is a summary of the Ethical teachings of Epicurean philosophy written in the epistolary literary style, and addressed to a student. It addresses theology, the hierarchies of desires, how to carry choices and avoidances in order to achieve the pleasure, and other aspects of Epicurean ethics. One of 3 surviving letters of Epicurus.

Epicurus (341–270 BC), the Ancient Greek philosopher, summarizes the key doctrines from his larger work “On Nature” (of which only a few fragments have been recovered) in this letter to Herodotus. Epicurus squarely places himself in the atomistic tradition of Democritus. Other important theme of this letter is the role of physical knowledge in promoting human happiness and negating scepticism and superstition:

The Epistle of Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BC) to Pythocles, named Letter to Pythocles contains explanations of various celestial phenomena along with some pro-empiricist epistemological remarks and ethical justifications for scientific study. Only 3 letters written by Epicurus —the letters to Menoeceus, Pythocles, and Herodotus—and 2 collections of quotes—the Principal Doctrines and the Vatican Sayings—have survived and a few fragments