A History of Ancient Philosophy: From the Beginnings to Augustine

Epicurus regarded other people as important “to the extent that coexistence with others furthers the goal of life, the individual’s inner independence”. Therefore he greatly valued friendship: in the company of friends the wise man can “turn his back on the noise of the world” and “realize the good life”. He “laughs, philosophises, and manages his household all at the same time”. But “the philosopher who does not alleviate human suffering uses empty words”.

I have drawn these quotations from page 438 of K.F. Johansen’s book, the purview of which is “the first millennium of Western thought”. The book’s 35...