Epicurus's Three Principles

Kosmos Greek Philosopher, Epicurus has strong belief in universal settings and accounts for it very highly. Nothing stresses how strongly he feels about the universe more than his Three Principles. The first principle delves into the idea that nothing is created out of nothing. “For the primary signification of every term employed must be clearly seen, and ought to need no proving” (D.L., X, 38). The universe is created out of particles we know as atoms. Since these atomic particles join together to create the universe, Epicurus is essentially saying the atoms that the universe is composed of has always been in existence. If such elements didn’t always exist, then the possibility of any and everything emerging out of anything, would happen.

Atoms have and always remain the same. Then, there’s the second principle which states, nothing is destroyed into nothing. “And if that which disappears had been destroyed and become non-existent, everything would have perished, that into which that things were dissolved being non-existent” (D.L., X, 39). As straightforward as it is, the elements (the atoms) that the universe is made up of cannot be destroyed and vanish; rather it is destroyed and takes the form of something else. At some point, everything gets destroyed but it does not eradicate because if everything gets eradicated, nothing would ever exist. The third principle he talks about surrounds this concept that kosmos is ever same. “For outside the sum of things there is nothing which could enter into it and bring about the change” (D.L., X, 39). The kosmos are infinite. With that being said, it will never have beginning because it has always existed, nor will it ever have an end because nothing vanishes when it is destroyed; it becomes

We are all brought into this world by our parents, and once we hit a certain age, we’re sent off on our own and expected to know what to do. Growing up, I don’t think any of us know what the perfect life is, but we do have different views on the “ideal” life we seek to live. As a regular individual, we’d think a human being should live a life of good. By that we mean to go to school to get an education, get a job, get married, and have kids. However, from a more philosophical view point projected by Epicurus, he provides a more rational standing on how a human being ought to live his life. In his letter, Epicurus states “course is of service to all who take up natural science…continuous energy…calm enjoyment of life” (D.L., X, 37). It can’t be more evident that Epicurus advocates that natural science or as we know, study of nature not only helps us live life, but to eliminate whatever fear is instilled in us. Epicurus makes it clear that the number one fear instilled in individuals is the fear of death. Death is a constant fear since we find joy and pleasure of being alive nor do we want to have to endure a painful death; hence we develop this fear. With death, we’re never sure what to expect. Meaning, death is feared because it can be painful and the fact that we’re not sure what to expect after death is very intimidating. Eliminating this anxiety would