epicureanism

/ˌɛpəkjʊˈriənɪzəm/

Other forms: epicureanisms

Epicureanism, which comes from ancient Greek philosophy, is a focus on the importance of pleasure. If you devote yourself to going to the symphony and eating fine foods, it's because of your epicureanism.

The philosopher Epicurus developed his ideas as a challenge to Plato. Although today this word is colloquially used to mean reveling in excessive pleasurable activity, that's not the way Epicurus described his philosophy. In fact, he emphasized the importance of a simple life and quiet pleasures. Classical epicureanism was all about the absence of pain and fear, rather than eating an entire chocolate cake while lying in a hammock.

Definitions of epicureanism

1. noun

   a doctrine of hedonism that was defended by several ancient Greek philosophers
   type of:

   doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought

   a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school