In my book, The Philosophy of Dark Paganism (shameless self-promotion), I mention that Dark Paganism is eclectic in that it draws on various schools of philosophy, both classic and contemporary. One of the philosophical schools that influence Dark Paganism is Epicurus.
Epicurus
Epicurus and Gautama the Buddha determined that suffering was humanity’s greatest scourge. Epicurus believed that anxiety was the primary source of human suffering and developed a four-point treatment plan.
1. Don’t fear god.
Epicurus and his followers were not atheists. However, they didn’t believe that the gods were involved in ordering the Cosmos. And the gods certainly weren’t interested in human affairs. Therefore, according to Epicurus, one didn’t have to fear a god’s retribution. One shouldn’t be anxious about being sent to Tartarus for displeasing a god or breaking some ethical rule.
Dark Paganism shares the view that most gods don’t care about humans. Occasionally, a god will develop a relationship with an individual human, but that’s the exception and not the rule. Most of the time, we don’t even show up on their radar. Rituals and offerings to gods aren’t done to avoid a god’s wrath. They’re performed to maintain relationships.
2. Don’t fear death.
According to Epicurus, death isn’t something to fear. He pointed out that we have no memory of non-existence before our birth. Therefore, we’ll have nothing to fear of non-existence after our deaths.
But what if Epicurus is wrong and there is an afterlife? Should we worry about our fate? The answer is still no. As mentioned, the gods don’t care about us. They won’t punish us by sending us to Hell or some other place of torment. Those UPGs (Unverified Personal Gnosis) that I consider most reliable describe the afterlife as a place of contemplation, renewal, and joy followed by either rebirth or ascension. Whatever it entails, suffering and torture aren’t part of it.
3. What’s good is easy to attain.
According to Epicurus, “good,” as used here, has a particular meaning. Typically, especially in America, “good” means expensive luxuries. However, that’s not what Epicurus meant. “Good” meant that which is needed to maintain life. Food, shelter, etc., sufficient to live are “good.” He didn’t condemn luxuries, but he did warn that they could create anxiety because they might be lost once acquired.
Generally, Epicurus was right. Most people can acquire the basic needs to live if they set their standards at realistic levels. One problem is that many of us aren’t happy living within our means. As a result, we create massive debt, which can cause us to work long hours and live in anxiety of loss.
However, reality is complicated. The truth is that even lower standards aren’t always enough in our Capitalist society to guarantee shelter and food. For example, medical care, a necessity for life, can be outlandish in cost. The primary cause of bankruptcy is the cost of medical care here in the US.
Homelessness and food insecurity are real problems for many people. Hard work and setting realistic standards don’t always pay. These real problems inherent in our Capitalist socioeconomic system can create anxiety that Epicurean principles don’t address.
4. What’s terrible is easy to endure.
Epicurus died a painful death. Before his death, he suffered for two weeks from a kidney stone that blocked his urethra. However, he endured his pain by remembering the good times with his friends over the years.
In this final point, we’re reminded that physical pain, even severe, is usually temporary for most people. And severe chronic pain, while horrible, is uncommon for the majority. Most of us learn to live with moderate chronic pain. And for most people, mental pain, such as fear and anxiety, can be reduced by maintaining a healthy outlook on life.
Dark Pagans accept Epicurus points on pain as a general principle. If we apply this wrong, there is the risk that we can minimize the seriousness of suffering from pain. While applicable to most people, this Epicurean principle doesn’t apply to everyone.
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