For years, many of us have upheld the Stoic belief in âe~no pain, no gain.âe(tm) But when the pace of modern life and the demands of jobs and family overwhelm us, punishing exercise regimes, productivity apps and early morning starts may not be the best solution.

According to the pleasure-centric philosophy of Epicureanism, life can be good without great sacrifice. By consciously practicing âe~choice and avoidanceâe(tm) âe" by being strategic about our recreational, professional and familial pursuits âe" we can live with less fear and regret. By understanding our place in a world that came about by chance, we can gain greater perspective on our role within it and where our priorities should lie.

No honest philosopher can give you a formula for happiness, but in The Pleasure Principle, Professor Catherine Wilson explores how Epicureanism can provide a framework for thinking about lifeâe(tm)s key issues, including family, death, politics, religion, wealth, science, and love.