“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”. Source
This simple yet profound statement from the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus cuts through centuries of economic theory. It challenges our modern obsession with accumulation. Many people mistakenly associate Epicureanism with lavish indulgence. However, the philosophy actually promotes a far more nuanced and sustainable path to happiness. Epicurus did not advocate for a life of unrestrained pleasure-seeking. Instead, he taught that true wealth is a state of mind. It is the tranquility that comes from mastering our desires, not from satisfying their every whim.
This perspective redefines wealth entirely. It shifts the focus from external assets to internal contentment. For Epicurus (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), the richest person is not the one with the most gold, but the one who needs the least. This article explores this powerful idea. We will unpack what Epicurus truly meant by wealth and how self-sufficiency is the key to achieving it.
The Epicurean Balance Sheet: Assets vs. Desires
In today’s world, we measure wealth with bank statements and stock portfolios. We constantly chase more. This pursuit often brings more anxiety than happiness. Epicurus offered a different kind of accounting. He believed true prosperity comes from achieving a state of inner peace, which he called ataraxia. This is a state free from mental disturbance and physical pain.
To achieve this, he argued that we must understand our desires. He famously sorted them into three distinct categories. This classification is crucial for learning to manage them effectively. By focusing only on what is essential, we free ourselves from the endless and exhausting cycle of wanting more. Consequently, we find a stable and lasting form of satisfaction that material possessions can never provide. The goal is not to eliminate all desire, but to cultivate the right ones.
Natural and Necessary Desires
First, we have natural and necessary desires. These are the simplest to understand and the easiest to fulfill. They include the basic needs for survival: food, water, shelter, and clothing. Epicurus noted that nature makes these essentials easy to obtain. Fulfilling them removes pain and discomfort, leading directly to a state of pleasure. For example, eating when you are hungry is a simple, profound pleasure. These desires are limited. Once you have quenched your thirst, you do not need to keep drinking. Therefore, they form the stable foundation of a happy life.
Natural but Unnecessary Desires
Next are the natural but unnecessary desires. These desires are variations of our basic needs. For instance, while simple food is necessary, a gourmet meal is not. While basic shelter is essential, a lavish mansion is an embellishment. Epicurus did not forbid these pleasures. However, he warned that they should be enjoyed with caution. Chasing them can lead to dependency and anxiety. If you become accustomed to luxury, simple things may no longer bring you joy. This creates a new source of potential pain if you can no longer afford them. Moderation is key.
Vain and Empty Desires
Finally, Epicurus identified vain and empty desires. These are the most dangerous. They are not rooted in nature but in the false opinions of society. This category includes the desire for immense riches, political power, and fame. These desires are insatiable by their very nature. No amount of wealth or power is ever enough. They create a constant state of anxiety, fear, and competition. Epicurus believed these pursuits were the primary source of human misery. Source
Self-Sufficiency: The Ultimate Financial Freedom
Understanding desires is the first step. The second, and perhaps more important, is cultivating self-sufficiency, or autarkeia. For Epicurus, self-sufficiency was the greatest of all wealth. This does not mean living as a hermit, completely isolated from society. In fact, Epicurus considered friendship one of life’s greatest pleasures. Instead, self-sufficiency is an internal state of independence.
It is the ability to find happiness within yourself. You do not depend on external factors like luxury goods, social status, or the approval of others. A self-sufficient person learns to be content with simple things. They know that their well-being does not fluctuate with the stock market or social trends. This creates a profound sense of security and freedom. When you need very little, you are invulnerable to the whims of fortune. You control your own happiness.
Living this way has practical benefits. By minimizing your wants, you reduce financial pressure. You can work less or choose work that is more meaningful, rather than just profitable. Moreover, you develop resilience. When challenges arise, your happiness is not threatened because it rests on a solid, internal foundation. This is the ultimate form of financial and emotional freedom.
Applying Epicurean Wisdom in the 21st Century
Epicurus’s teachings are remarkably relevant today. We live in a culture of hyper-consumerism that constantly creates new, unnecessary desires. Advertising and social media fuel our anxieties and feelings of inadequacy. Adopting an Epicurean mindset offers a powerful antidote.
Start by consciously evaluating your own desires. Ask yourself: Is this something I truly need, or is it a want created by external pressure? Practice gratitude for the simple, necessary things you already have. For example, savor a simple meal or enjoy a walk in nature. Cultivate meaningful friendships, which Epicurus saw as essential for a good life. These connections provide a deeper and more lasting satisfaction than any material possession.
In summary, Epicurus offers a liberating redefinition of wealth. True richness is not about having more, but about wanting less. It is the peace of mind that comes from self-sufficiency and the joy found in simple, natural pleasures. By embracing this ancient wisdom, we can escape the modern rat race and discover a more durable and authentic form of happiness.