How to Be an Epicurean

"An excellent debut... General readers interested in how the ancient Greeks viewed the good life will take great pleasure in Wilson's entertaining guide to Epicureanism for modern times."
—Publishers Weekly

"Wilson] guides readers through what can seem a very contemporary philosophy valuing rational thought, physical evidence, non-self-interested justice, and human free will.... This is a valuable introduction to a very influential philosophy."—Booklist

"A universe made only of atoms and empty space? No life after death? Carefree gods indifferent to mortals? Freedom from anxiety the highest good? These were basic themes in ancient Epicureanism, and Catherine Wilson shows eloquently how this ancient and most humane philosophy, when creatively interpreted and applied, can help us to live well in the world today. Even if this book does not make an Epicurean of you, it will teach you to appreciate and admire Epicurus's wisdom and his relevance for our times."—David Konstan, professor of classics, New York University

"So glad to see our Epicurean cousins back in the game! This is a new golden age of practical philosophy!"—MassimoPigliucci, author of How to Be a Stoic

"Catherine Wilson's book achieves something rare intellectually, the steep task its author explicitly sets for herself: it carves out an accessible explication of an idea, Epicureanism, to give readers more genuine, immediate agency over their lives. But this isn't a book for Epicureans, or only for Epicureans. It's a book for anyone who wants to use careful thought to make better considered, happier choices."—MatthewWolfson, journalist

"intelligent and readable"—The Economist

A spirited tour and defense of Epicurean philosophy . . .—City Journal

Wilson's command of her subject is unquestioned... All in all, she is an admirable guide along the Epicurean path.—The Post and Courier