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Wellsprings
ethics

The Classification of Desires

ἐπιθυμίαι φυσικαὶ καὶ κεναί

Some hungers are written into our nature; others are illusions we inherit. Sort them rightly, Epicurus taught, and serenity follows.

Epicurus argued that not all desires are equal, and that learning to tell them apart is the key to a tranquil life. He divided them into three kinds: natural and necessary (like food, shelter, and friendship), natural but unnecessary (like rich feasts or luxury), and empty or vain (like fame, power, and limitless wealth). Because the necessary desires are few and easy to satisfy, while the empty ones are insatiable, the wise person trims away false wants and finds contentment within easy reach.

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14 Greek sources·1 Jewish-canon citation

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