The Concept of the Happy Life; A Comparison in Epicurean and Stoic Philosophies

Throughout history, the nature of the happy life has been described by numerous philosophers and their philosophies. Among those that have attempted this explanation are the Stoics, who were founded by Zeno, and Epicureans, established by Epicurus. Both agree that indulging desires in moderation is necessary for attaining happiness. As well, according to the Epicureans, the ultimate aim of life is to achieve tranquility of the soul, which is very similar to the condition of …

…the fatalistic nature of being, and realizing that one cannot change what is outside of his or her control so it is more beneficial to be content with what is. Works Cited Mannion, James, The Everything Philosophy Book, (Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media Corporation), 2002. pgs. 30-36 Matson, Wallace, A New History of Philosophy, Volume One: From Thales to Ockham 2nd ed. (Toronto: Harcourt College Publishers), 2000. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Stoics http://www.iep.utm.edu/