Epicurus: 'If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.'

If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.

The quote by Epicurus, "If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires," encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of happiness and contentment. At its core, this quote emphasizes that true happiness stems not from accumulating wealth and possessions, but rather from reducing our desires and cultivating a simpler way of life.Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that the pursuit of material wealth and worldly possessions only leads to an insatiable appetite for more. Instead, he posited that true happiness lies in the freedom from unnecessary desires, as these desires often serve as a source of restlessness and dissatisfaction. Therefore, if one truly wants to bring happiness to another person's life, it is far more fruitful to help them let go of their desires, rather than constantly striving to accumulate more wealth.This notion stands in stark contrast to the predominant values of our modern society, which promote the idea that acquiring wealth and possessions leads to happiness and fulfillment. We are bombarded daily by advertisements that sell us the illusion that happiness can be bought in the form of luxurious cars, expensive clothing, and extravagant vacations. However, Epicurus challenges this notion by asserting that true contentment is not found in the accumulation of external things, but rather in the reduction of our internal desires.To further explore the concept of desire reduction, let us introduce the philosophical concept of minimalism. Minimalism is a lifestyle choice that focuses on owning and desiring fewer material possessions, with the belief that this simplicity leads to greater contentment and freedom. Minimalists intentionally declutter their lives, both physically and mentally, by letting go of excessive material possessions, eliminating unnecessary commitments, and avoiding the constant yearning for more.Minimalism aligns closely with the wisdom of Epicurus because it recognizes that desires, especially those rooted in material possessions, can easily become a never-ending cycle of wanting and chasing, ultimately leaving us perpetually unfulfilled. By embracing minimalism, individuals can consciously choose to align their desires with what truly matters to them, be it relationships, personal growth, or experiences.Removing excessive desires does not imply completely renouncing ambition or personal goals. Rather, it is about critically evaluating our desires and letting go of those that are driven by societal pressure, comparison, or a misguided belief in materialism. It is about finding contentment in the present moment and appreciating the simple pleasures that life has to offer.In our consumer-driven society, where the pursuit of wealth and material possessions is often prioritized above all else, the teachings of Epicurus and the philosophy of minimalism serve as refreshing reminders to seek happiness in a different way. They challenge us to question the messages we receive from advertising and the relentless pursuit of more, reminding us that true contentment lies not in adding to our riches but in subtracting from our desires.So, the next time we find ourselves striving for more and chasing after fleeting desires, let us pause and reflect on the wisdom of Epicurus, and consider how we might find greater happiness by simplifying our lives, reducing our desires, and embracing the liberating philosophy of minimalism.