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How did Hellenistic philosophers address death and uncertainty?

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Painting by Joseph Aubert of Saint Thomas Aquinas seated with a book, wearing a halo and black and white robes, surrounded by ornate patterns in St. Stephens Church, Jerusalem. — Western philosophy Painting of scholastic philosopher St. Thomas of Aquinas by Joseph Aubert, 1900.

In the unstable environment of the post-Aristotelian era, Hellenistic philosophers sought to provide individuals with independence from the external world through systematic approaches to life.12

Addressing Death

For Epicureans, the fear of death was a primary source of human unhappiness. Epicurus argued that death is nothing to us: as long as we exist, death is not present, and when death arrives, we no longer exist. By understanding that the soul is material and dissolves with the body, the wise person realizes that the desire for immortality is vain.3

Stoics viewed life and death through the lens of virtue and reason. Because they believed the only true good is wisdom and virtue—which remain under an individual's control—they were less concerned with the "play of fortune." If life became unbearable, Stoics viewed suicide as a rational option to avoid inescapable pain.4

Addressing Uncertainty

To manage the anxieties of a troubled world, both schools aimed for ataraxia, or tranquility of mind.5
* Epicureanism: Focused on reducing needs, living a simple life, and finding security in friendship and the absence of pain.3
* Stoicism: Taught that individuals should identify with reason rather than physical desire. By accepting that all is in the hands of a divine order, the Stoic remains unmoved by external afflictions, finding stability in their own rational capacity.64