Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Ataraxia

Ataraxia as: a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety; tranquillity

Ataraxia is a Greek term for a lucid state of robust tranquility, characterized by ongoing freedom from distress and worry.

For the Epicureans, ataraxia was synonymous with the only true happiness possible for a person. It signifies the state of robust tranquility that derives from eschewing faith in an afterlife, not fearing the gods because they are distant and unconcerned with us, avoiding politics and vexatious people, surrounding oneself with trustworthy and affectionate friends and, most importantly, being an affectionate, virtuous person, worthy of trust.

No comments: