Epicurus and Epictetus 67since those atoms of the soul set free in space are indestructible
and live on eternally.
With these two major problems out of the way, Epicurus
begins to prescribe how one can live the good life. Happiness is
the “highest good, the beginning and end of which is pleasure.”
There are two kinds of pleasures, kinetic and katastematic.
Kinetic pleasures are the pleasures that comes from satisfying
urges and desires. They are active pleasures, both mental and
physical, and require an active pursuit. Katastematic pleasures
are pleasures of the mind. One does not actively pursue these
pleasures; rather, one is open to them and enjoys them as they
come. The katastematic pleasures are purer, longer lasting, have
no negative side effects, and are in all ways superior to the
kinetic. Happiness is achieved when one is free of pain and fear,
and a balanced tranquility of mind and body exists. The happi
ness that results from this passive view of pleasure is called
ataraxia. Ataraxia is similar to the concept of nirvana, a
peaceful, pleasurable contentment which is not sought after, but
absorbed and assumed.
While Epicurus is committed to the value of the pleasures of
the mind, he is not against physical pleasures, yet he is skeptical
of them and enjoins his followers to exercise great prudence in
their pursuit. Physical pleasures are short-lived and usually
futile, and often have future consequences more harmful than the
enjoyment was pleasurable. One should be satisfied with little
rather than much. If one learns to control his physical desires so
that he is satisfied with a few, he will be better able to pursue
those intellectual pleasures which will provide him with true
happiness.
Prudence is the key. The prudent man understands the differ
ence between fleeting physical pleasures and enduring intellec
tual ones. The prudent man also knows that the only two realities
in the pursuit of happiness are pain and pleasure. Also, one must
never simply pursue pleasure. Often one must endure some,
even great, pain in order to achieve a future pleasure. And while
one cannot be happy if one is starving, being overstuffed with
food is intemperate and wrong. Prudence, according to Epicurus,
is the means to achieve that delicate balance of physical well
being and intellectual bliss; the latter, the means to true happi
ness; the former, simply an aid to the greater good.