“No,” Epicurus said gently. “I say: want what is enough. ”
An elderly man with kind eyes rose to greet him. “You look troubled, friend. Sit. Eat.” epicurus the art of happiness pdf
he said, “natural and necessary desires.” He pointed to the bread, the fig, the jug of water. “Food, shelter, friendship, safety. These are easy to satisfy. When fulfilled, they bring genuine peace.” “No,” Epicurus said gently
He gestured to his friends in the courtyard. “See these people? We share our meals, our work, our thoughts. Friendship is the greatest wisdom for happiness — more than any medicine or fortune. A true friend multiplies joy and divides sorrow.” “You look troubled, friend
Cleon traveled the dusty road to the garden. He expected marble columns and lavish fountains — but found only a small vegetable patch, a few olive trees, and a low stone house with an open courtyard. A group of men and women, young and old, sat together on simple benches, sharing bread and figs. They spoke softly, laughed often, and seemed utterly at peace.
Cleon looked around again. The people weren’t pretending to be happy. They were laughing at a simple joke, helping each other water the herbs, and resting in the afternoon shade.
He drew a second line. “Luxurious food, a larger house, fine clothes. These are natural to want, but not needed for happiness. They often bring more worry than joy.”