Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher known for promoting happiness through simple living and friendship.
His influential ideas about pleasure and tranquility appear in works like Letter to Menoeceus and Principal Doctrines, shaping philosophical thought on happiness for centuries.
If you enjoy reading books by Epicurus then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate Epicurus's clear and practical approach to philosophy, you'll probably enjoy Lucretius. He took Epicurean ideas and presented them in poetic form, making them easier and more enjoyable to read.
His famous poem, On the Nature of Things, lays out Epicurean thought on nature, human life, and the importance of living happily by avoiding unnecessary pain.
Readers who are drawn to the rational explanations of nature found in Epicurus might connect well with Democritus, an earlier philosopher who inspired Epicurean views.
Democritus is best known for developing the idea of atomism: the theory that the universe consists of atoms in empty space.
Although we don't have complete works from Democritus, you can explore his philosophy through collections of surviving fragments like Fragments of Democritus, which offer clear and thoughtful reflections on nature, perception, and ethics.
Fans of Epicurus will find inspiration in Leucippus, the philosopher credited as Democritus's teacher and as an early developer of atomism. Like Epicurus, Leucippus promoted a logical view of the universe based on natural rather than supernatural explanations.
While Leucippus's own writings haven't survived intact, his foundational ideas about atoms and void deeply shaped western philosophical thought and were extensively discussed by later philosophers like Aristotle in texts like Metaphysics.
A great next step if you're exploring Epicurean thought is Philodemus of Gadara. He was a philosopher and poet who closely followed Epicurean teachings, emphasizing practical ethics, the pursuit of pleasure without excess, and rational living.
His work On Death helps readers understand and overcome fear of mortality, using clear reasoning and compassionate advice that closely resembles Epicurus's own perspectives.
If you're intrigued by Epicurus's practical wisdom for daily life, Diogenes of Oenoanda will be an enjoyable read. He admired Epicurus greatly and carved an Epicurean philosophy inscription into a public wall at Oenoanda to share this wisdom widely.
These inscriptions, collected in The Epicurean Inscription, offer concise and helpful reminders about living a content and tranquil life based on reason and moderation.
If you like Epicurus for his practical approach to happiness, you'll find Aristippus of Cyrene interesting as well. Aristippus founded the Cyrenaic school of philosophy, teaching that pleasure—especially immediate and bodily pleasure—is the main goal in life.
But unlike Epicurus, who favored moderation and tranquility, Aristippus believed we should confidently pursue enjoyable experiences right now.
While none of Aristippus's complete works survive today, his teachings appear in other writings, such as Diogenes Laertius's Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers.
If Epicurus's practical view on pleasure appeals to you, Jeremy Bentham can offer you a modern perspective with his utilitarian philosophy. Bentham believed the greatest good was bringing the most happiness to the largest number of people.
He saw the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as central to ethics and policy. One of Bentham's notable works is An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, where he lays out his influential approach to morality.
Fans of Epicurus interested in thoughtful analysis about happiness could appreciate the ideas of John Stuart Mill. Mill expanded on Bentham's approach but argued that intellectual and spiritual pleasures matter more than purely physical ones.
He emphasizes individual freedom, personal fulfillment, and inner satisfaction in his influential book Utilitarianism, making him a worthwhile read if you're exploring happiness as a guiding principle.
Readers attracted to Epicurus's straightforward philosophy and focus on nature might enjoy Pierre Gassendi. Gassendi was a philosopher who reintroduced Epicurean thought during the scientific revolution.
He valued empirical observation and experience, seeing Epicureanism as fully compatible with scientific exploration and religious belief.
Gassendi's work, especially his Syntagma Philosophicum, offers a fresh and thoughtful interpretation of Epicurean ideas from a more modern vantage point.
If you're drawn to Epicurus's reflective style and concern for personal tranquility, Michel de Montaigne might speak directly to you.
In his famous collection of readable and personal pieces, Essays, Montaigne tackles topics like friendship, death, pleasure, and how to live a contented life.
Like Epicurus, Montaigne is concerned with practical wisdom and the joys of ordinary living, writing sincerely and conversationally about finding peace amid life's uncertainties.
Voltaire wrote witty, sharp, and satirical books. He often pointed out human folly and championed reason, freedom of thought, and criticism of dogmatic beliefs.
Readers who enjoy Epicurus’ views on happiness and rational thinking will appreciate Voltaire’s exploration of these same ideas. His novella, Candide, clearly shows his style—full of sarcasm and biting humor—and questions the traditional beliefs of his day.
Thomas Jefferson, known primarily for his political writing, clearly drew inspiration from the ancient philosophers. He valued reason, personal freedom, and the pursuit of well-being, all themes familiar to readers of Epicurus.
Jefferson's Declaration of Independence famously upholds “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”—an idea that echoes Epicurean thought about seeking personal fulfillment through a balanced life.
Walter Charleton was a writer and natural philosopher interested in spreading new scientific and philosophical ideas in 17th-century England. Charleton tried to revive Epicurean philosophy in his work Epicurus's Morals.
Like Epicurus, Charleton believed that knowledge and reason could guide us to happier, more fulfilling lives by freeing us from superstition and fear.
Sextus Empiricus promoted skepticism. In works like Outlines of Pyrrhonism, he taught readers to question everything and to have reservations about absolute truths.
Although more radically skeptical than Epicurus, Sextus Empiricus shared Epicurus’ distrust of dogmatic beliefs that limited human happiness.
Cicero was a Roman philosopher and statesman known for his clear, beautifully-written arguments and dialogues. He examined many philosophical schools, including Epicureanism.
In his work, On the Nature of the Gods, he directly engages Epicurean ideas—especially their views about happiness, pleasure, and the proper outlook toward the gods—and debates their merits in an open-minded and thoughtful way.