What Aristotle and Epicurus Say About Leisure
When we think about free time, we often imagine relaxing, watching movies, or going out with friends. But ancient philosophers had much deeper ideas about what leisure really means. Aristotle and Epicurus had very different opinions, and their views can actually help us think about how we use our time today.
Leisure Is for the Mind
Aristotle believed that human beings have a special function that separates them from animals and plants. This function is the ability to think rationally. For him, the best kind of leisure is not just about resting or having fun but about using our minds.
He argued that the purpose of human life is to think. So, only those who are excellent in thinking can truly enjoy leisure. Leisure, according to Aristotle, should be used for rational activities like philosophy, reading, or learning for its own sake, not for external rewards. He defined leisure as something we do not because we have to but because it is meaningful and helps us grow.
He also believed that if we spend our free time just chasing pleasure, it is like plugging ourselves into a machine that gives us fake experiences. In that case, there would be no real difference between humans and plants because we would lose what makes us human.
Leisure Is for Pleasure
On the other hand, Epicurus had a much simpler and more relaxed view. He saw humans as just a collection of atoms, like everything else in the universe. That meant he did not believe we had any special function like Aristotle did.
Epicurus believed that the goal of life is to feel pleasure and avoid pain. So, for him, any activity that brings relief or comfort can be seen as a good use of leisure time. Whether it is eating your favorite meal, lying down after a long day, or just spending time with loved ones, it all counts as valuable leisure.
He also thought that plugging into the experience machine, an idea where a person lives in fake but pleasant experiences, would actually be a wise choice. This is because what matters is the feeling of happiness, not whether the experience is real or not. In his view, even animals, children, and anyone else can enjoy meaningful leisure because it is simply about feeling good and being free from stress, work, or pain.
Two Different Roads to Leisure
Aristotle and Epicurus had opposite ideas, but both were exploring the same issue about how human beings should spend their free time. Aristotle focused on thinking and self improvement, while Epicurus emphasized comfort and simple pleasures. Their contrasting views offer two different ways of understanding leisure and what gives life meaning.
Leisure and Life Meaning
Even though Aristotle and Epicurus lived centuries ago, their views on leisure are still relevant today. In a world where people often feel pressured to stay busy or always be productive, their philosophies offer two meaningful paths. One encourages using free time for personal growth and deeper thinking, while the other reminds us that it is okay to rest, enjoy simple pleasures, and take care of our well-being. Whether through learning or relaxing, how people choose to spend their leisure time can still reflect what they value most in life.
References
The Open University 2016, educational resource, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, viewed 16 July 2025.