306 History of Philosophy. 



for subtle metaphysical distinctions and disquisitions, the other a 

 mind stored with the treasures of learning and familiar with the 

 terms and reasonings of science. Nor must it be forgotten that 

 when Epicurus flourished, the Macedonians had subjugated the 

 degenerated Greeks, whose enfeebled minds still more broken by this 

 last calamity had sunk into that unambitious slate of resignation 

 which renders slothful ease the most desirable blessing. To such a 

 nation, so changed from what it had been in the fair days of Hellenic 

 superiority, Epicurus addressed himself, and his precepts are suited 

 to his scholars' circumstances of body and mind. His ideas of hap- 

 piness seem not unlike those of the Indian philosophers, whose felicity 

 consists in a state of perfect repose. Calm perfect calm, a freedom 

 from all the excitements of hope and fear, expectation or remem- 

 brance, a life without object, a death without regrets such seem the 

 points kept constantly in view. He avoids scepticism, for doubt is a 

 principle of inquietude. He banishes superstition, for it is a source 

 of terror. He recommends the practice of virtue, for without self- 

 satisfaction you cannot enjoy repose. He even proposes an antidote 

 for the fear of death, so wisely implanted in the human mind, by 

 removing all hope for the future. " Good and evil cannot affect 

 those who have no sensation, and with life all sensation expires. 

 While we live, death is not yet; when we die, we are no longer 

 any thing ourselves." Every thing is thus negative in the philosophy 

 of Epicurus. If we escape pain or grief, it is by the sacrifice of what 

 all mankind consider the most true enjoyments we are indeed in 

 repose, but it is the repose of the tomb. 



The life of the philosopher was entirely conformable to his tenets. 

 Though constantly suffering from a painful malady, his serenity and 

 gentleness of spirit were never ruffled ; his morals were pure, his 

 frugality and moderation exemplary, and the agreeable intercourse 

 which awaited his pupils, who were admitted to his table as well as 

 to his lectures, drew round him crowds of admirers and followers, 

 who on their part repaid his goodness with the most devoted, grate- 

 ful affection. We are however anticipating our conclusion, for there 

 still remain some points to be noticed with regard to his doctrine. 

 We mean his attempted explanation of the universe and its pheno- 

 mena by the properties of Atoms. The following is a brief statement 

 of the principal points of his theory. 



There are certain things which receive external impressions, 

 others which enjoy a peculiar and inherent energy. The former are 

 artificial productions, the latter natural beings. According to the 

 different quantity or manner in which these latter are combined with 

 each other, the apparent forms and tendencies of bodies are modified. 

 These ultimate atoms are the primitive elements into which all things 

 may be resolved. 



We cannot better close our short account of this Materialist than 

 by quoting two of his canons, which cannot be too strongly recom- 

 mended to be practised. When you speak, choose clear and generally 

 understood expressions. When you listen, be careful to retain faith- 

 fully the sense attached to the terms employed. 



