Is it possible to live like an Epicurean today?

Oh, the Epicureans! Those ancient, toga-clad hedonists, sipping wine and nibbling olives beneath the Mediterranean sun. What an image, eh? Who wouldn't want to live like that? I'm half-tempted to pack my bags, buy a little vineyard in Greece, and embrace a life of philosophical contemplation and simple pleasures. But before we all start chasing Greek XP in Duolingo and clumsily ordering amphorae of wine, let's take a step back and consider the realities of our modern world. Is it really possible to live like an Epicurean today?

Inspired by an article on Psyche.co, the writer, Emily Austin lays out a guide on how to seek out and savour life's joys like an Epicurean. It's a lovely piece that offers a fresh perspective on an ancient philosophy and makes a compelling case for its relevance in our harried, 21st-century lives. But while I'm as drawn to the idea of embracing Epicureanism as the next person, I can't help but wonder if there might be some obstacles standing in our way. And so, dear reader, in the grand tradition of investigative bloggery, I shall endeavour to explore the challenges and pitfalls of trying to live like an Epicurean in today's world.

The Siren call of consumer culture

It's difficult to talk about living a simple life of moderation when every advert and billboard screams at us to buy more, want more, and be more. Modern consumer culture, with its incessant emphasis on material wealth, is a far cry from the ideals of Epicureanism. Consider, if you will, the seemingly endless posts of those going off-grid and living?#vanlife?generally a bunch of people so odiously lacking in self-awareness as they show us around their VW Transporter in a ￡100 DryRobe pointing out all the brands and touches they've included whilst filming it on an iPhone 14 Pro tethered to a 5G network. The truth is it's nigh on impossible to avoid the siren call of the latest goods, promoted ceaselessly.

The ever-encroaching spectre of social media and FOMO

As I write this, I'm sitting in a small Surrey bistro, enjoying a flat white and a warm cinnamon bun. It's a scene straight out of an Epicurean daydream – were it not for the fact that everyone around me is glued to their smartphones, their faces lit by the harsh glow of tiny screens. Social media, for all its merits, has done a number on our ability to forge genuine connections and to be truly present in the moment. I can't help but think of absent friends whose Reels cascade in daily, from Padstow, Antigua, Brazil, seemingly spending the entire day taking selfies and updating their Instagram feeds. It's hard to imagine old Epicurus would have approved.

The modern work-life balance conundrum

Epicureanism encourages us to cultivate self-sufficiency, develop our passions, and find contentment in simplicity. Yet, the demands of modern work culture often leave us with little time or energy for such pursuits. We all know friends and family, who once harboured dreams of becoming painters, dancers, linguists, musicians, and bakers. Of course, after years of grinding away at our corporate jobs, we now find ourselves with neither the time nor the inclination to pick up the paintbrush, the salsa lessons, dictionaries, guitars or sourdough starter. As we toil away for 60 hours a week and run busy households, the simple, contented life of an Epicurean seems but a distant dream.

The ever-present shadow of mental health challenges

In a world where mental health issues like anxiety and depression are, sadly, all too common, the Epicurean pursuit of happiness can feel like an uphill battle. Taken on the surface, who wouldn't see the appeal, with its emphasis on simple pleasures and meaningful connections but for anyone struggling with depression, grappling with anxiety or other issues with their mental health, the promise of an untroubled, Epicurean existence is quite obviously out of reach.

Environmental anxiety and the call to arms

While Epicurean philosophy values living in harmony with nature, the current ecological crisis demands more than just a simple, low-impact lifestyle. Individuals need to take a more active role in fighting climate change and environmental degradation. It's one thing to tend to your own little plot and 'smell the roses', but that feels woefully inadequate so we strive to actively engage in our own sliding scale of environmental activism, from organising parochial litter picks to lobbying for stronger environmental policies. It's clear that simply adopting a low-impact, Epicurean lifestyle is no longer enough – the planet needs our active engagement and support.

In summary

And so, dear reader, we reach the end of our exploration into the feasibility of living an Epicurean life in our modern world. As we've seen, there are challenges aplenty, from the seductive allure of consumer culture to the ever-looming spectre of mental health issues. Yet, I believe there is still wisdom to be found in the teachings of Epicurus – if we're willing to adapt them to the realities of our contemporary lives.

Perhaps we can strive for a balance, embracing the simple pleasures and meaningful connections that Epicureanism espouses while also acknowledging and addressing the challenges of our times. In doing so, we may find a measure of contentment and joy in our lives – and isn't that what old Epicurus was after all along? While living like a true Epicurean in today's world may be difficult, perhaps even impossible, we can still find inspiration in the philosophy's core values. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, there is, I believe, something profoundly comforting in the pursuit of simplicity, meaningful connections, and harmony with nature. Here's to finding our own, uniquely modern way of embracing the spirit of Epicureanism.