Comparing Epicurus's 'Letter To Menoeceus'

In his Letter to Menoeceus, Epicurus provides his perspective of how one can bring meaning to their lives. He makes the argument that one should take actions towards the satisfaction of all desires and attainment of freedom from pain and fear, which all ultimately lead to tranquility of the mind and soul. In opposition to Epicurus’ argument, someone could say that one can miscalculate that self-interest is more important than morality which in turn, supports the behavior of psychopaths. In response, Epicurus might say that morality can be another available instrumental good in calculating the best means to obtain a pleasant life. Epicurus believes that securing our own pleasures is the true meaning to life. In his letter to Menoeceus, he states
“For the end of all our actions is to be free from pain and fear, and, when once we have attained this, the tempest of the soul is laid…” (p. 655). Here, Epicurus illustrates the idea that a fulfilled life is the satisfaction of all desires, the elimination of fear for death, and the absence of all pain in the body. By doing so, the quote implies that the soul will obtain the maximum inner peace. The process to achieve this begins with wisdom and “sober reasoning, searching out the grounds of every choice and avoidance” (p. 655). Wisdom breaks down the available means and calculate the best decision to secure the greatest pleasure. In his letter, Epicurus suggests that once this is attained, there is “… no need to go in search of something that is lacking, nor to look for anything else by which the good of the soul and of the body will be fulfilled” (p. 655). In other words, Epicurus asserts that we only seek for gratification because either there is a deficiency or there is pain in our lives, but if neither is present, then we no longer have the need for
Although virtues are necessary to attain pleasure, it is not sufficient for happiness. These virtues are simply instrumental goods to help in calculating the best means for oneself. Epicurus would argue that being concerned with one’s interest should not have a bad connotation. There may be implications that each of us have no obligations to do anything other than what is in our best interests and we should pursue our interest in a rational way. It is true that his philosophy does not link ethics and happiness, but the idea of morality can still be considered in our own interest. Here, Epicurus would argue that it might be one’s advantage to respect the interests of others because as a return, it will help create a society where people’s interests are respected. To live in such a society, it will be easier for one to be able to pursue a happy life. For the most part, morality can be considered a segment of Epicurus’ ideology of obtaining pleasure for oneself. This ties back to the foundation of wisdom. It is true that there is a risk of miscalculations, but Epicurus would continue to argue that his empiricism is an introspective experience. It is through experience that one is able to perceive what is good and what is bad. Therefore, one will continue to be in need or want until the desire is truly satisfied, even if miscalculations