To build confidence as an Epicurean, you don't hype yourself up—you strip down what shakes you.
Here's a clear framework grounded in Epicurean thinking:
1. Master Your Desires
Epicurean Principle: Most anxiety comes from wanting things you don’t need.
-
Cut the excess: Ask, “Do I really need this to be happy?”
-
Train on simplicity: Occasionally eat plain meals, sleep without comforts—remind yourself you can thrive without luxuries.
Confidence grows when you see that you’re not a slave to cravings or trends.
2. Choose Pleasures That Don't Backfire
Epicurean Principle: Not all pleasures are worth it.
-
Short-term pleasure that leads to regret = avoid it.
-
Long-term, stable pleasures (friendship, learning, peace) = seek them.
Confidence comes from knowing your choices won’t undo you later.
3. Lose the Fear of Death
“Death is nothing to us.” – Epicurus
-
You won't be around to suffer when you’re dead. That fact kills fear at its root.
-
Accepting this frees you from panic about time running out.
Confidence grows when you stop living like you're constantly running from the end.
4. Strengthen Friendships
Epicurean Principle: True friends = emotional security.
-
Build trust with a few, not popularity with many.
-
Friends remind you you're not alone, no matter what happens.
Confidence builds when you have people who know you and have your back.
5. Live Modestly and Authentically
“If you wish to be rich, do not add to your money but subtract from your desires.”
-
Reject image-based confidence (looks, status, attention).
-
Live quietly, but with full ownership of your choices.
Confidence becomes real when it's not based on impressing anyone.
6. Practice Ataraxia (Peace of Mind)
Peace is the real goal—not thrill, not drama.
-
Meditate, reflect, write down your thoughts.
-
Notice what disturbs your peace—and learn to sidestep it.
Confidence settles in when your mind is undisturbed.
7. Be Self-Sufficient
Confidence grows when you know you can meet your own needs. Epicurus encouraged “autarkeia”—independence from external goods or approval. When your peace doesn't depend on things outside you, you're unshakable.
Practice: Regularly live simply by choice, to prove you can.
8. Live Without Pretension
Epicureans don’t chase prestige. They don’t need to perform for the crowd. When you're not trying to impress anyone, you move more freely. That’s real confidence: quiet, grounded, not performative.
Practice: Ask yourself often, “Am I doing this for me, or for how it looks?”
To achieve self confidence, focus on yourself and embrace personal development while keeping it simple and merry. Do not use emotions more than logic when making decisions, because emotions can ruin your entire life.
Related:
