Does following epicureanism command me to be poor? What's really in between poverty and epicureanism?
Epicureanism does not support poverty, but it also doesn’t glorify wealth. Here's how it approaches the issue:
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Epicurus taught that happiness comes from simple pleasures, friendship, and a tranquil mind—not from luxury or excess.
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He believed that freedom from pain (ataraxia) and living modestly were keys to a good life.
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So while he didn’t advocate for poverty, he did argue that you don’t need wealth to be happy.
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In fact, voluntary simplicity was seen as a path to freedom—fewer needs meant fewer dependencies and anxieties.
In short: Epicureans don’t promote poverty, but they see material wealth as unnecessary for living well. They prefer a life of modest sufficiency, not indulgence or destitution.
Are Fame and wealthy important?
According to Epicurus, wealth and fame aren't important because they don’t lead to lasting happiness—and often do the opposite. Here's why:
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They create endless desires.
Wealth and fame push people to want more—more money, more status, more attention. Epicurus saw this as a trap. The more you want, the more you worry, and the less peace you have. -
They bring anxiety and fear.
Fame can make you paranoid about losing your reputation. Wealth can make you anxious about theft, loss, or managing it. Epicurus valued inner peace (ataraxia) above all—and these pursuits disturb it. -
They’re not under your control.
Epicurus believed that happiness should be based on things we can control—our thoughts, our friendships, our needs. Fame and wealth depend on external factors, making them unreliable. -
Simple pleasures are enough.
He argued that natural and necessary pleasures (like food, friendship, shelter) are easy to get and give the most satisfaction. Chasing luxury is unnecessary and often disappointing.
So in Epicureanism, the focus is on freedom from fear and unnecessary desire, not external achievements or riches.
Advantages of being rich
Being rich does come with real advantages—Epicurus didn’t deny that, he just warned not to rely on them for happiness. Here are some practical upsides to wealth:
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Security:
Money can protect you from hunger, homelessness, and medical emergencies. It reduces stress about basic survival. -
Freedom of choice:
Wealth gives you more control over your time, career, and lifestyle. You can choose where to live, what to do, and who to avoid. -
Access to resources:
Education, healthcare, travel, and opportunities for personal or professional growth are easier to reach when you're rich. -
Comfort and convenience:
Money can reduce daily friction—better transportation, less physical labor, and more enjoyable environments. -
Ability to help others:
With wealth, you can support family, friends, and causes you care about. That can add meaning to your life.
So while Epicurus would say wealth isn’t necessary for happiness, he’d agree it can make life easier—as long as you don’t become dependent on it or obsessed with keeping it.
Disadvantages of being rich
Here are key disadvantages of being rich, especially from a philosophical or psychological angle:
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Fear of loss:
The more you have, the more you worry about losing it—through theft, market crashes, or betrayal. -
Endless desire:
Wealth can fuel a cycle of wanting more. Satisfaction fades fast, leading to constant upgrading and comparing. -
Trust issues:
Rich people often struggle to know who genuinely cares about them versus who’s after their money. -
Isolation:
Wealth can create social distance—between you and friends, family, or even society. People may envy you or treat you differently. -
Pressure and responsibility:
Managing wealth can be stressful—investments, taxes, businesses, charities, and expectations from others. -
Loss of meaning:
When basic needs are met easily, some people struggle with purpose. Comfort alone doesn’t guarantee fulfillment.
Epicurus would add: if wealth doesn’t lead to peace of mind, then it’s not worth chasing.
Summary
Epicurus believed wealth and fame don’t bring true happiness—they fuel endless desires and anxiety. Real joy comes from simple pleasures, peace of mind, and strong friendships.
Quote:
"If you wish to be rich, do not add to your money, but subtract from your desire." — Epicurus
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