Practical Wisdom

Epicurus and the three kinds of desires


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“It should be recognized that within the category of desire certain desires are natural, certain others unnecessary and trivial; that in the case of the natural desires certain ones are necessary, certain others merely natural; and that in the case of necessary desires certain ones are necessary for happiness, others to promote freedom from bodily discomfort, others for the maintenance of life itself.”

(Letter to Menoeceus, 2)

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Practical WisdomBy Massimo Pigliucci