How did Epicurus define the highest form of pleasure?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

In the philosophy of Epicureanism, Epicurus defined the highest good and ultimate end of life as the absence of pain from the body and trouble from the soul.12

While Epicurus acknowledged "kinetic" pleasures of the senses, he identified the highest form of pleasure as "static" pleasure, which consists of a state of equilibrium where no pain is present. This state of tranquility, or ataraxia, represents a condition of being untroubled by mental or emotional disquiet. For Epicurus, this ultimate aim of a happy life is achieved by limiting desires, practicing virtue, and withdrawing from the anxieties of public life to live in security and friendship.231