Comparing Christian Epicureans And Stoic

A mixture of classical philosophical school of thoughts shapes today’s society. No school of theory fully embodies current societal lifestyle. As each theory did not explicitly dominate a time period, where their ideals were the dominant widely accepted one. Just like modern times, there are numerous different ideologies. Through this ideology we try to make our selves work in this world. Ancient Greek philosophy greatly influences philosophy today additionally it is practiced by many subconsciously; it has gone on to shape human nature. With time, these philosophical thoughts get adapted to better fit the time period and the current events that shape society. But, yet, one school of philosophical theory stood against the test of time, one

There are not a lot of requirement to becoming a Christian because “even philosophers, when they become Christians, are not required to change their style of eating or eating customs…thought they are required to change their false teaching” (Augustine 158). It is not a lifestyle change to convert to Christianity, but a change in some of their ideology such as beliefs about afterlife, and to promote an active cultivation of the soul for eternal life in heaven. For Epicureans, one should live for “the most agreeable moments rather than the longest span” (Epicurus 157). It is the goal of living simply, for enjoyment as opposed to beating time. For Epicurus, a life in the garden away from the influence of politics, religion and other unnatural desires to focus on living a pleasant, sensible and just life. A sensible life is only achieved when one is not constantly influenced by the belief of a greater nature, God that is just a reflection of one self. God is just a creation to justify the lifestyle that is led for the ultimate achievement of pleasure, pleasure that is both beneficial and harmful to the soul. It is also disrespectful to think that God is concerned about us, as there are greater things to worry about than, individual sins. Sins that would not have existed if one have sought to live simply. Epicurus surrounds himself with friends in his garden for the

Cynics have a pessimistic outlook of life. Diogenes’s is known for his apathy, and lack of shame. “Very valuable things, said [Diogenes], were bartered for things of no value” (Laertius Book VI. 34-36), is a true testament of the cynic ideology. Diogenes trades things that are deemed by society to be very valuable does not actually have assist in your survival, but things that are pertinent to survival are things deemed to be invaluable due to their lack of grandeur. Cynics are about promoting reason and virtue, where people act in accord with reason. Factors that distort reasoning are social, religious connection and political power, which is why they undermine these institutions. These external factors are very influential because they are linked to materialism. The desire to attain more, the preference for items that is able to promote oneself. The cynic outlook on life is a constant factor due to the Cynic’s inability to attain a life that is ideal to them. A life that is ruled by reason, reasons that is not affected by society. Christianity on the other hand believes in “life without suffering” (Augustine 154). The belief in life without suffering allows Christians to have an optimistic lifestyle. As they profess their devotion to Christianity, Jesus relieves the burden of their sins. Thus, there is a mentality that their sins will not punish them in afterlife because the