VALUING SIMPLE PLEASURES 

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“Not what we have but what we enjoy constitutes our abundance.” —Epicurus

SHIFTING FOCUS DEEPENS SATISFACTION 

November, the “11th month of the Gregorian calendar” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is typically known for shorter days, colorful trees, and cooler weather. However, what stands out for me are three rituals of November’s Thanksgiving holiday: good food, gracious gatherings, and giving thanks. Though there are many different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, an enjoyable feast is central to most of them.

Delicious and pleasurable, Thanksgiving feasts are sometimes described as epicurean—a modern-day term with ties to the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus who was considered the great philosopher of pleasure. Epicurean is also a term used to describe premier gourmet food, wine, and spirits, and even a gourmet food magazine is named Epicurious.

While the word “epicure” is often associated with indulging the appetite, it is surprising and perhaps easy to forget that the philosopher Epicurus advocated paring down our desires to a minimum to make them possible to satisfy.

WHAT WE ENJOY CONSTITUTES OUR ABUNDANCE

Although Thanksgiving encourages us to reflect on what we are thankful for, Epicurus reminds us that simple pleasures can be more valuable than luxurious ones. Epicurus writes, “It is better for you to lie upon a bed of straw and be free of fear, than to have a golden couch and an opulent table, yet be troubled in mind.” He goes on to say, “Not what we have but what we enjoy constitutes our abundance.” 

ANCIENT ADVICE, TIMELESS VALUE

Appreciating simple pleasures in a complex world can be challenging. As the complexity of our world continues to escalate, Epicurus’ philosophy offers as much value today as it did in 306 BC. It helps us to successfully navigate the sea of distraction that confronts us in daily life and to focus our attention and energy on what matters most.

Appreciating simple pleasures leads to more satisfaction, more happiness, and ultimately more tranquility, which according to Epicurus is the most exalted state. In today’s environment, any progress we can make toward attaining more tranquility would certainly give us much to be thankful for.

Best wishes for a pleasurable Thanksgiving holiday season.

Joyce M. Young, MD MPH and colleagues at Advanced Wellness Systems