Rotterdam philosophy reading group: Epicurus

### The Promise of Epicurean Wisdom

Imagine a philosophy that teaches you how to live well—not with grand possessions, but with simple pleasures, deep friendships, and a mind free from fear. This is the timeless gift of Epicurus, a thinker whose name is often misunderstood but whose wisdom offers profound liberation for our modern, anxious world.
In a culture that equates happiness with consumption and success with busyness, Epicurus presents a radical alternative: true happiness comes from ataraxia—tranquility of the soul. His philosophy isn't about indulgence, but about discerning what truly nourishes us. He invites us to ask: What do we really need to be content? How do we face the fear of death? What makes friendship so essential to the good life?

### Why Epicurus Speaks to Us Today

For the overworked and overwhelmed: Epicurus teaches the value of time over wealth. "Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." In our age of burnout, his emphasis on simple pleasures—a good conversation, a shared meal, observing nature—offers a restorative blueprint for wellbeing.
For the socially disconnected: Epicurus considered friendship "the most precious fruit of wisdom." His Garden (the school he founded) was built on community, equality, and mutual support. Our reading group continues this tradition—creating a modern Garden where meaningful connections flourish.
For the scientifically curious: Epicurus was a materialist who believed in explaining the world through natural causes rather than supernatural intervention. His insights anticipated modern physics and psychology, making him a fascinating bridge between ancient thought and contemporary understanding.
For anyone confronting mortality: Epicurus famously argued that "death is nothing to us." His logical, calming approach to our greatest existential fear remains one of philosophy's most powerful consolations.

### What You'll Take Away from Our Gathering

• Practical Wisdom: Learn to distinguish between natural/necessary desires and those that are vain or empty—a skill that can reduce anxiety and increase daily satisfaction.
• Historical Perspective: Discover how this humble Greek philosopher influenced figures as diverse as Thomas Jefferson (who called Epicurus "the greatest of the ancient philosophers") and Karl Marx (who wrote his doctoral dissertation on him).
• Community: Experience philosophy as it was meant to be practiced—in dialogue with others. As Epicurus wrote, "It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confidence of their help."
• Intellectual Tools: Develop frameworks for thinking about pleasure, pain, ethics, and cosmology that remain surprisingly relevant.

### Join Our Modern "Garden"

Epicurus established his school outside Athens in a place simply called "The Garden"—a space open to all, including women and slaves, which was revolutionary for its time. There, philosophy wasn't an academic exercise but a way of life practiced in community.
Our Rotterdam gathering continues this spirit. Under the guidance of an experienced facilitator who has taught philosophy everywhere from universities to prisons, we'll create our own temporary Garden—a space of inclusive, accessible dialogue where every voice matters and no question is too basic.

The teachings of Epicurus—about life and death, religion and science, physical sensation, happiness, morality, and friendship—attracted legions of adherents throughout the ancient Mediterranean world and deeply influenced later European thought. Though Epicurus faced hostile opposition for centuries after his death, he counts among his many admirers Thomas Hobbes, Thomas Jefferson, Karl Marx, and Isaac Newton. This volume includes all of his extant writings—his letters, doctrines, and Vatican sayings—alongside parallel passages from the greatest exponent of his philosophy, Lucretius, extracts from Diogenes Laertius' Life of Epicurus, a lucid introductory essay about Epicurean philosophy, and a foreword by Daniel Klein, author of Travels with Epicurus and coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar.

Want to have deep conversations on philosophy and life in good company, which always consist of at least one person with a good sense of humour? Then please join this reading group.

We aim at making this a kind and inclusive group, where everyone feels appreciated and warmly welcomed. No background knowledge or reading is obligatory; everyone is free to join and listen in or join the discussion we're having.

The purpose of this group is to delve into philosophical topics and classic and modern philosophers. Each month we read a book of a contemporary or old philosopher, which we dan delve into in an informal and accessible manner. As a philosopher I can guide these meetings if wanted or needed, but will do minimum lecturing, except if anyone feels like it.

A professor of mine said: 'Bring philosophy everywhere' and that is what I try to do, also to give away my philosophy degree for free to a group such as this.

I have more than a decade worth of teaching experience, which also consists in engaging in philosophical and Socratic dialogue in the university of applied sciences, highschool, primary school and in prison. I also used philosophy as a conversational tool in the field of social work in the past.

The events are free, but you can pay as you please, which would be much appreciated. I donate 10% of the revenue, as I do with all of my income, to effective charities that are recommended by the Effective Altruism Movement (see: https://www.effectivealtruism.org/).

You can send me a one-time donation on:
https://www.paypal.me/FBIJoeri

Or you can support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/filosofischbureauvoorinzichtsvergaring

For those that would like to see me speak about other philosophy stuff, see:

https://www.youtube.com/user/1986Joeri

For those that like to complement or replace their reading with audio-visual material, I will post these in the comments aforehand of the meeting.

See the following video and podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukORp-VwfdU&t=156s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HkQTbJcgBk