Author: Cassius Amicus
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No Fate But What We Make
A discussion of the details of “Terminator 2” is far beyond the scope of this blog, but composites made from two scenes of that movie form a good frame for...
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On The Critical Distinction Between “Events” And “Accidents”
In the course of preparing a presentation of De Rerum Natura with the translations of Cyril Bailey, H.A.J. Munro, and the original Latin in parallel, I came across a translation...
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Illustrating Epicureanism Through A Pompeian Mosaic
Short of some future scholar uncovering an inscription confirming the purpose of the mosaic found in the house of Marcus Vesonius Primus in Pompeii, there is no way for us to...
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Epicurean Art in the Ancient World
This post is to announce a new page devoted to collecting images of art from the ancient world which appear to have Epicurean themes. Please email suggestions for inclusion in...
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Why We All Need Philosophy
Today’s addition to the website is a page on Seneca’s References to Epicurus. This presents the opportunity to highlight a passage that has long been one of my favorites: “Would...
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Updates: Excerpts from De Rerum Natura, and an Annotated version of the Principal Doctrines
Today brings two significant revisions to the website: (1) a presentation of excerpts from De Rerum Natura, and (2) a revised presentation of the Principle Doctrines organized with relevant references...
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For New Students of Epicurus
When I first started this web page, my goal was as stated in the page banner, to “promote the study of the philosophy of Epicurus.” I phrased the goal in...
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The Example of Cassius The Liberator Shows The Way
What do we know about the life of Gaius Cassius Longinus, the Liberator, that might be relevant in the study of Epicureanism? (“Liberator” is so much nicer a term than...
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Caveat Emptor: Pick Your Texts and Commentaries Carefully!
The student of Epicurus would do well to remember that misrepresentations of Epicurus’ views, whether intentional or innocent, did not end with Cicero in ancient times. As DeWitt suggested, even...
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Gratitude As a Source of Strength During Times of Misfortune
If you are like me, you often hear friends say (or post to Facebook) that they “couldn’t go on if they did not have their faith in God to pull...