# Epicurus — Dialogues character guide

> Epicurus in Dialogues by Seneca.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Who they are

Greek philosopher, founder of Epicureanism, often contrasted with Stoicism.

## In the story

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiv)

Mentioned as one with whom we may repose through philosophy.

### [On Leisure and Retirement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/i)

Philosopher whose maxims Seneca is accused of preaching in place of Stoic doctrine.

### [On Leisure and Political Engagement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/iii)

Epicurus's position is contrasted: the wise man will not take part in politics except upon special occasion.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/vii)

Cited as an example of the pleasure-seeking sect who sometimes abandons pleasure for pain to avoid greater suffering, showing that even he practices action and contemplation.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xv)

Quoted as saying 'Fortune seldom stands in a wise man’s way,' which Seneca uses to support his argument.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvi)

Cited as making more concessions to the body than anyone, yet still taking a spirited tone regarding injuries.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xii)

Seneca discusses Epicurus's philosophy of pleasure, noting that his actual teaching is sober and temperate, but his name is misused by the vicious.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiii)

Seneca defends Epicurus's philosophy as upright and holy, though he notes it is often misinterpreted to justify vice.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xviii)

Cited as a philosopher who declared how one ought to live, not how he lived.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxvii)

Mentioned as someone reproached for spending money.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/iv)

Cited for his complaint about ingratitude for past benefits and his view that past pleasures are secure.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as the philosopher who thought the greatest happiness was to be free from care and unmindful of the world.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xix)

Criticized for making God unarmed and powerless, banishing Him from the world.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/epicurus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters