leasure, and to find it amongst others. His emphasis on the mental aspects of life, rather than the physical aspects puts Epicurus in a classification all his own. In Epicurean philosophy, life wasnt measured by what was done with ones life, but what was derived in the mind. This created opposition from most other religions. The thought of life without fear of gods or death seemed ridiculous to some, but to Epicurus followers it seemed ideal. Fate was not a part of Epicurean lifestyle. Man was given the gift of reason for the purpose of living his own life in Epicurean teachings. Epicurus believed the mind to be a physical body because of its interaction with the outside body. The mind cannot function with the body, and the body cannot function without the mind. Epicurus believed the mind to be corporeal. In his thought, a body cannot interact with anything but another body, so the mind must be bodily. Incorporated with his beliefs on the body was a spirit. Epicurus believed that there is a spirit flowing through every mans body and the mind can communicate with it. This was a supporting detail for the possibility and effectiveness of inner life concentration. Epicureanisms ways of seclusion, inner thought, and concentration gave the philosophy a bad rap. Many associated laziness or carelessness to Epicureanism. The philosophy teaches that removal from every day life is important. During Hellenistic times, men were expected to play a role in contributing to society. For instance, men were supposed to be politics or soldiers. Many criticized Epicureanism to be passive or lazy. It was said to be glorifying a lifetime of safety and quiet to many who opposed the philosophy. These criticisms seemed to be based on misconceptions of Epicurus. His views actually seemed to have a sense of adventure with the element of not fearing death. Also, without fearing misery man could accomplish his goals more adequately and was made in...
