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How did Epicureanism connect virtue with pleasure?

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Bronze bust of Epicurus with a full beard and draped clothing, displayed on a round inscribed base at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. — Epicureanism Epicurus, bronze bust from a Greek original, c. 280–270 bce; in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.

In Epicureanism, the practice of virtue is considered inseparable from pleasure. Rather than viewing virtue as an end in itself, Epicureans see it as a necessary means to achieve the ultimate goal of a happy life: the absence of pain in the body and trouble in the mind.12

Because the Epicurean definition of the supreme good is this state of equilibrium, the wise person must exercise prudence to measure the consequences of their desires. This requires the practice of virtues—such as temperance and justice—to avoid the pain that often follows impulsive or excessive behavior.12

While Epicureanism is often contrasted with the Stoic ethic of duty, the practical outcomes are similar: the Epicurean is compelled to live with temperance and justice to maintain a life of tranquility. Ultimately, virtue is valued because it is the most reliable path to securing a stable, pain-free existence, making it fundamentally linked to the pursuit of pleasure.12