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Wellsprings
ethics

Ataraxia

ἀταραξία

The deep, unshakable calm that remains when the mind is no longer troubled by fear or anxious desire.

Also: tranquility · peace of mind · equanimity

Ataraxia is a state of tranquility and freedom from fear and pain that became a central goal in both Epicureanism and Skepticism. Though often misunderstood as mere indulgence, Epicurus actually advocated for ataraxia through modest living and rational management of desires. The Skeptics pursued it through suspension of judgment, believing that constant doubt about what is truly good or bad would free the mind from disturbing opinions. Both schools saw ataraxia as the highest human achievement—a calm, undisturbed state reached through reason rather than emotion.

The pursuit of ataraxia shaped how ancient philosophers advised people to live. Rather than chasing wealth or power, which breed anxiety and competition, one should recognize that tranquility springs from within ourselves through wisdom and self-knowledge. By controlling passions through reason and moderating desires to what is natural and necessary, a person could achieve the untroubled mind that ataraxia promises. This concept influenced later Stoicism and remains relevant to modern approaches to contentment and mental peace.

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87 Greek sources

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