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Epicureans, Augustine, Stoicism

Introduction

Human life is a complex conception that is characterized by various attributes. One of the most important aspects of this pertains to the ability to think and deduce meanings out of one’s life and experiences. Usually, these have different implications on the entire welfare of the human way of life because they influence fundamental believes and practices too. Most importantly, the characteristic spirituality and beliefs in the external forces that shape human life at different stages have significant implications. It is against this background that this paper provides an intrinsic analysis of the Epicurean perception of gods and death. In detail, it underscores the false beliefs about gods and how these distress humans. Also, it highlights the Epicurean perception with respect to why humans should not fear death and ascertains if these viewpoints constitute reasoning.

According to Melchert, the human fear of gods can be attributed to the societal cultural beliefs and superstitions that are formulated by humans (Melchert 277). Religion has been cited as one of the major sources of beliefs that contribute to this state of affairs. However, Epicureans belief that humans distress themselves by the false presumption that postulates that the gods are responsible for governing each and every aspect of human life. This fear stems from the fact that humans engage in evil activities in a bit to satisfy their material needs and the characteristic worldly ambitions. Epicurus indicated that men can only deliver themselves from these false presumptions if they employ rational thinking.

According to his philosophy, Epicurus indicated that unlike humans, gods have supernatural powers and lack physical atomic structures. Thus they exist within the gaps that are found in the universe. He ascertains that these gods do not have any power over the humans but instead lead quiet and happy lives. They essentially exist due to the fact that the entire human race believes in them. However, their existence should not frighten humanity because gods are not concerned with the human way of life. The relationship between the gods and humans is further compromised by the recognition that the former are immortal while the latter are mortal. The immortal nature of the gods is contributed to by the nature of atomic flow in their being that is balanced. Epicurus instead indicates that humans need to derive joy and peace from their contemplation of the actual existence f gods. However, gods are unlikely to approve or disapprove of any human behavior because they are immortal.

Death is another physical transformation that humans have been cited to be fearful of. Essentially, it refers to a state in which the atomic structures of both human souls and bodies dissolve (Melchert 284). Epicurus indicates that humans need not fear the death in any way because it does not have any adverse implications on their holistic welfare. Only then can humans be able to lead a happy and contended life. From the Epicurean point of view, death is an implication of the end of human existence. Humans in this respected are advised not to be worried or concerned about this state because it merely implies that humans would not have sensory experiences any more. A dead person in this regard is usually unaware of his or her surroundings.

In particular, Epicurus indicates that neither the living nor the dead need to worry about its existence because it does not affect any of them. Put differently, while the living do not experience it, the dead are also eliminated from this possibility because they do not exist and are not even aware of it (Melchert, 302). Although most humans tend to be terrified by the mention of the word death, they find solace in it because it provides a permanent escape to the worldly challenges that have severer implications on human welfare. In this regard, it is indicated that humans basically worry about death because of the false implications that have been perceived to characterize after life. However, this does not need to distress humans once they understand that death puts an end to their entire existence of human life.

At this point, it can be argued that this is not rational thought as it undermines the very existence of human life. It devalues the need to live and can have far reaching implications on social cohesion. In this respect, it is worth appreciated that spirituality is an imperative source of moral values and virtues that constrain human behavior. Elimination of characteristic external forces associated with it deprives human life of a meaning.

Conclusion

There are several forces that are employed by humans in shaping their way of life. From the preceding analysis, the fear of gods and death can be considered some of the forces that influence human behavior in different ways. Epicurean thoughts indicate that humans need not to fear gods because the latter do not concern themselves with the human way of life. They should neither fear death because it implies an end to existence and therefore there are no implications after life. From a practical point of view, this is irrational because it devalues human life and has the ability to significantly compromise social cohesion.

Works Cited

Melchert, Norman. The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy. Oxford: University Press, 2006.