Epicurus' "Vatican Sayings" is a collection of short, pithy statements that reflect his philosophy of life. These sayings cover a wide range of topics, including happiness, friendship, virtue, and the nature of the universe. In this lecture, we will explore the major themes and ideas presented in the "Vatican Sayings" and their implications for human life.
The term "Vatican Sayings" is actually a modern designation for the collection of short, pithy statements attributed to Epicurus. The sayings were not given this name by Epicurus himself or by his followers in ancient Greece, but rather by scholars in the modern era who have studied and compiled his works.
The name "Vatican Sayings" comes from the fact that the most complete surviving manuscript of the sayings is housed in the Vatican Library, where it was discovered and translated into Latin in the 17th century. This manuscript, known as the "Vaticanus graecus 1950," contains 81 of the sayings, along with some additional fragments and notes.
The Vatican manuscript is not the only source of the sayings, however. Other manuscripts and sources, including ancient quotations and references by other authors, have been used to compile different versions of the sayings. These variations in the text and numbering of the sayings can make it difficult to determine their original form and order.
Despite these uncertainties, the "Vatican Sayings" remain an important and influential part of Epicurean philosophy, and continue to be studied and discussed by scholars and philosophers around the world.
The first and perhaps most famous of the Vatican Sayings is number one, which states that "The blessed and immortal gods exist, but they have no concern for human affairs." This saying encapsulates one of the core tenets of Epicurean philosophy, which is that the gods are not interested in human affairs and do not interfere in the lives of mortals. This belief allowed Epicurus to reject the traditional Greek and Roman gods and to focus instead on living a virtuous and fulfilling life in the present moment.
Sayings two through four discuss the importance of friendship and its role in human happiness. Saying two states that "We must cultivate the virtues that make for friendship, with the same care that we cultivate our fields." This suggests that we must actively work to develop the qualities that make us good friends, such as loyalty, generosity, and kindness. Saying three emphasizes the importance of mutual trust and respect in friendship while saying four argues that true friendship is based on shared values and goals.
Sayings five through nine focus on the importance of self-sufficiency and the dangers of materialism. Saying five suggests that we should not be attached to luxury or extravagance, as they can distract us from more important things in life. Saying six argues that we should be content with what we have, rather than always striving for more. Saying seven suggests that we should not be swayed by the opinions of others, but should rely on reason and logic to make decisions. Saying eight cautions against being overly attached to our possessions, while saying nine argues that it is better to be free from desire than to possess all the riches in the world.
Sayings ten through fifteen discuss the importance of wisdom and learning. Saying ten suggests that we should be cautious in our judgments and always strive to learn more. Saying eleven emphasizes the importance of learning from our mistakes and not repeating them. Saying twelve argues that we should not fear the unknown or the passage of time, but should focus on living in the present moment. Saying thirteen suggests that we should avoid speculation and focus instead on what we can observe and experience directly. Saying fourteen cautions against being overly confident or arrogant, while saying fifteen suggests that we should always be open to learning new things and changing our beliefs when necessary.
Sayings sixteen through nineteen discuss the importance of moderation and the avoidance of extremes. Saying sixteen suggests that we should avoid both excess and deficiency, and should strive for balance and moderation in all things. Saying seventeen argues that we should not be attached to physical pleasures, as they can distract us from more important things in life. Saying eighteen suggests that we should not be attached to mental pleasures, such as fame or status, as they can be a source of anxiety and stress. Saying nineteen argues that we should not be swayed by the fear of pain or death, but should accept these as natural parts of life.
Sayings twenty through twenty-six discuss the importance of living a virtuous life and the role of reason and logic in moral decision-making. Saying twenty suggests that we should always act in accordance with reason and that our actions should be guided by our values and goals. Saying twenty-one emphasizes the importance of honesty and straightforwardness in our dealings with others. Saying twenty-two suggests that we should not be attached to fame or status, but should focus on developing our inner virtues. Saying twenty-three argues that we should not be attached to power or authority, as they can be
corrupting and distracting. Saying twenty-four emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with others and avoiding conflicts and quarrels. Saying twenty-five suggests that we should not be overly concerned with reputation or public opinion, but should focus on living a virtuous life in the present moment. Saying twenty-six argues that we should not be attached to external sources of happiness, but should focus on developing our inner resources and virtues.
Sayings twenty-seven through thirty-one discuss the importance of acceptance and the avoidance of unnecessary anxiety and worry. Saying twenty-seven suggests that we should not be overly concerned with the future, but should focus on living in the present moment. Saying twenty-eight emphasizes the importance of accepting the inevitable, including pain, suffering, and death. Saying twenty-nine suggests that we should not be swayed by external sources of pleasure or pain, but should focus on living a virtuous life in the present moment. Saying thirty argues that we should not be overly concerned with the opinions of others, but should rely on reason and logic to make decisions. Saying thirty-one suggests that we should not be overly attached to our own opinions, but should be open to new ideas and perspectives.
In conclusion, Epicurus' "Vatican Sayings" offer a concise and powerful summary of his philosophy, which emphasizes the pursuit of happiness, the cultivation of inner resources and virtues, and the avoidance of unnecessary anxiety and worry. Through his teachings, Epicurus offers a practical and comprehensive guide for living a happy and fulfilling life, one that is free from fear, anxiety, and the distractions of external pleasures and status. His teachings continue to influence philosophical and scientific thinking to this day.