Epicurus. Greek philosopher. Born about 342 B.C. It is doubtful whether Epicurus' birth occurred before or after his parents' removal from Gargettus, in Attica, to Samos. His youth was spent in that island, whence he removed to Athens, when about eighteen. Afterwards, Epicurus taught at Clophon, Mitylene, and Lampsacus. He returned to Athens about 306, and remained there until his death. He was founder of the Epicurean school, which holds that the summum bonum consists in pleasure - chiefly mental pleasure. Epicurus died in 270 B.C.

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