In a 750-1000 word essay, please respond to the following:
Analyze and explain Epicurus’ famous proclamation: “Thanks be to blessed Nature because she has made what is necessary easy to supply, and what is not easy unnecessary…The right understanding of these facts enables us to refer all choice and avoidance to the health of the body and the soul’s freedom from disturbance, since this is the aim of the life of blessedness.” Do you agree or disagree with this assessment of the good life, and why?
In support of your argument, please refer to specific passages from the video (Alain de Botton’s “Epicurus on Happiness—Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness,” available on YouTube via the link below). Students are also required to include at least two MLA-formatted citations to the Epicurus textbook chapter (NOT including the quotation in the assignment prompt). Submissions that do not fulfill the above criteria will only be eligible for partial credit.
Epicurus on Happiness—Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness