Epicurus on Leisure and the Pursuit of Pleasure

Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who focused on the purpose of human life and how to live well. He believed that the goal of life is to be happy, and that happiness comes from experiencing pleasure and avoiding pain.

Everyday Leisure

For Epicurus, leisure is not about doing something fancy or extreme. He thought leisure should bring peace of mind and free the body from pain. In his view, any activity that helps us feel calm and relaxed could be part of leisure. That includes things like eating a good meal, getting enough sleep, or just spending quiet time away from stress.

Avoiding Painful Distractions

He also suggested that we should avoid things that bring stress, fear, or discomfort. He believed we can enjoy life more when we stay away from situations or people that disturb our peace. So for him, leisure meant creating a life where pain, danger, and anxiety are kept away.

Final Reflection

Epicurus gave a peaceful and calm view of leisure. He didn’t talk about big goals or achievements. Instead, he saw leisure as a time to enjoy freedom, remove anxiety, and focus on what truly brings comfort. I think his ideas remind us that real leisure doesn’t have to be exciting. It just has to feel right for you.

References

The Open University 2016, educational resource, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, viewed 6 July 2025.