Happy Twentieth of June!

Peace and Safety to the Epicureans of today, no matter where you might be!

Wow, I have been busy lately, and I was out of town yesterday, so I have to apologize for posting a day late.  For today’s post, here is a short selection from Seneca that addresses by implication the interesting question of whether all luxury is to always be avoided, or whether luxuries can be properly enjoyed under proper circumstances:

(Seneca’s Letters – Book I – Letter XIV)

“Now you are stretching forth your hand for the daily gift. Golden indeed will be the gift with which I shall load you; and, inasmuch as we have mentioned gold, let me tell you how its use and enjoyment may bring you greater pleasure. “He who needs riches least, enjoys riches most.” “Author’s name, please!” you say. Now, to show you how generous I am, it is my intent to praise the dicta of other schools. The phrase belongs to Epicurus, or Metrodorus, or some one of that particular thinking-shop.”

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As Seneca recorded: Sic fac omnia tamquam spectet Epicurus! So do all things as though watching were Epicurus!

And as Philodemus wrote: “I will be faithful to Epicurus, according to whom it has been my choice to live.“