Epicurus
Epicurus (341-270 BC), Greek philosopher. He settled in Athens in 306 and founded a philosophical community known as ‘the Garden’, from the place where he taught. Epicurus maintained that since the universe was entirely material, mankind should abandon traditional religion and pursue happiness by leading a quiet life of philosophical contemplation. Although the word ‘Epicurean’ has come to mean ‘freely indulging in plea-sure’, Epicurus himself maintained that pleasure was simply “freedom from pain and fear”.
