In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life and philosophy of Epicurus (341–270 BC), the ancient Greek thinker whose name became synonymous with the pursuit of pleasure. We debunk the common myth that Epicureanism is about gluttony and excess, revealing how medieval misconceptions painted him as a patron of drunkards and whoremongers. Instead, we dive into the reality of "The Garden," his communal school in Athens where friends lived simply and discussed philosophy.

Join us as we break down the core tenets of Epicureanism, including:

• The Physics of Freedom: How Epicurus adapted atomic theory to include the "swerve," a random atomic motion that allows for human free will in a deterministic universe.

• True Hedonism: Why the ultimate goal was not wild partyin ...