THESIS STATEMENTThe philosophical ideas of Epicureanism and Stoicism taught how to live a comfortable and satisfying life, although they maintained similar aspects, the teachings of Epicurus and Zeno incorporated differences exceptional.GROOM STATEMENTWhen examining literary works, documents and articles that refer to the notable aspects of Epicureanism and Stoicism, the contrasts and discrepancies of these philosophical theories are evident clear.INTRODUCTIONIn ancient Greece, many philosophers professed their ideas in the hope to gain supporters and make themselves and their philosophical concepts known. Together with the numerous great philosophers of this time, Epicurus and Zeno promoted their theories and gathered their disciples. However, Epicurus and Zeno are known not simply for their philosophies, but for how significantly they differentiated their ideas. «For the Stoic it [referring to the philosophical life] consists in following virtue, in obedience to an authoritative law of nature or reason. . . For the Epicurean, the good life is that of rational enjoyment of all the satisfactions that the world offers” (De Burgh 178). De Burgh humbly summarizes the fundamental concepts of life as a Stoic in contrast to life as an Epicurean. By explaining both Epicurean and Stoic ideas and illustrating the differences regarding these philosophies, their few similarities diminish and the exceptional variations between them are evident. When examining the beliefs of an Epicurean, their strategy for acquiring happiness is clearly unique. The Epicurean lived a simple life and eliminated all excessive causes of human distress. However, when clarifying the basic philosophies of a Stoic, their opposite way of life is described. For the stoic b...... middle of paper ......arus, Titus Lucretius. "Sensation and thought." Trans. Cyril Bailey. Lucretius On the nature of things. Oxford: Clarendon, 1910. 160. Print.Cleanthes. "Hymn of Cleanthes to Zeus." Cleanthes' hymn to Zeus. Trans. MAC Ellery. Prof. Tom Sienkewicz, n.d. Web. 9 April 2014. De Lacy, P. H. "Epicurus." Philosophy and ethics. New York: Maximillian Library Reference, 1999. 234-37. Print.G., De Burgh W. The legacy of the ancient world. London: Macdonald & Evans, 1924. 178. Print.Rivers, Isabel. "Chapter 4: Stoicism." Classical and Christian Ideas in English Renaissance Poetry. Np: Taylor & Francis Ltd /, 1994. 45-54. Print.Sedley, David. "Epicureanism." The Shorter Routledge encyclopedia of philosophy. New York: Routledge, 2005. 223-24. Print.Sedley, David. “Stoicism”. The Shorter Routledge encyclopedia of philosophy. New York: Routledge, 2005. 1002-003. Press.