Epicurus on the passions

The article deals with the question of Epicurus' attitude to the passions. It is established that the doctrine of passions plays an important role in the philosophy of Epicurus. It is shown that Epicurus sees the greatest danger to peace of mind in fears of the forces of nature, in love passion and greed. Therefore, these passions must be completely eliminated. Anger, according to Epicurus, should be restrained, because in some cases it can be natural. Epicurus approves of the pleasant sadness of remembering dead friends and compassion for loved ones. Epicurus also welcomes the joy and even rejoicing associated with spiritual goods. Thus, on the question of passions, Epicurus managed to develop a position that differs from both the Stoic doctrine of dispassion (apathy) and the peripatetic doctrine of moderation in passions (metriopathy).