Epicureanism

Our culture is in crisis, revealed in skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression, even (and especially) amongst the most comfortable and well-off. Dr. Anna Lembke, author of Dopamine Nation, diagnoses our cultural crisis as rooted, in part, in the "druggification" of our society. Specifically, she explains how addiction functions writ large across our culture through an over-abundance of dopamine triggers, utimately leading to dopamine deficit states—a state in which it is not possible to enjoy anything at all. Her answer? Lean into pain and discomfort. Her message is counter-cultural, but it may very well change your life.

This episode is an introduction to a philosophy called "Epicureanism," a word that has become associated with those who seek out good food and drink.

• We begin by explaining who Epicurus was and what ideas he developed and spread throughout the Hellenistic world beginning in the 300s BCE
• Then we walk you through some of the important differences between Epicureanism and another philosophy called Stoicism
• And finally we explain why Epicureanism is a useful way to think about not only pursuing the sensory pleasures of life, but also more generally why it’s a tremendously attractive lens through which to view the strange and stressful world that we’re all experiencing in the here and now.

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On episode 45, we welcome philosopher Hiram Crespo to discuss the philosophy of Epicurus, using the hedonic calculus to form moral judgments, the importance of friendships for our happiness and growth, and creating a society that factors in the changing labor market.

Hiram Crespo is a freelance translator, blogger, philosopher, and author whose philosophical and opinion pieces have been featured in The Humanist, El Nuevo Día, Occupy.com, Partially Examined Life, and several other publications. He is the author of the book, Tending the Epicurean Garden and he contributed the Epicureanism chapter in the book How to Live a Good Life. 

Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy — and manages a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and personal viewpoints. 

Alen D. Ulman is a content creator and life long auto-didact. Alen manages the page Ego Ends Now which is a growing community for expanding consciousness with vital information about science, medicine, self actualization, philosophy, psychology and methods to overcome identification with compulsive thought. The purpose of Ego Ends Now is to make sure to give everyone in it's community every tool available to add levity in their own lives, making it a very real possibility for them to create a life of their own design, and help impact the world and our global community positively.

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Where you can follow Hiram Crespo: 

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EpicureanGarden/

Twitter:  

https://twitter.com/SocietyEpicurus 

https://twitter.com/hclasalle

Website: 

www.societyofepicurus.com  

www.theautarkist.wordpress.com

How to Live a Good Life Book Link: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525566147/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_GrzsEb6MH4VK2

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Salton Sun Artist Collective has become an incredible hub for conscious community in South Salt Lake (including the headquarters for one of our Permaculture Guilds). In this episode, Michael talks with one of the minds shaping that space who is himself a dynamic cultural creative... Daniel Foster Smith. From "Epicureanism" communes to politics, creativity and more, these two good friends cover some inspiring ground.

Epicureanism and it’s usefulness for psychology today and for the individual in everyday life, Part 2. Discussing philosophy with simple language and explaining it in a manner for all to understand and how it can be used today for the achievement of happiness. We look at the material soul, pleasure, friendship, happiness and the concept of overcoming death which for Epicurus meant not fearing it. Carlos Camacho Psychologist and Author. Music: Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield.

Epicurus’ philosophy Epicureanism and it’s usefulness for psychology today and for the individual in everyday life Part 1. Discussing philosophy with simple language and explaining it in a manner for all to understand and how it can be used today for the achievement of happiness. We look at friendship, happiness and the concept of overcoming death which for Epicurus meant not fearing it. Carlos Camacho Psychologist and Author. Music: Daydream Believer by The Monkees.