Abstract

Pitsios, Rigas I saw reproduced a few years ago, in beautiful colours on the jacket of the book Wisdom of the West by Bertrand Russell, the photo of a marble head of Epicurus, who lived and taught in Athens, during and shortly after Macedonian imperialism and its leading actor, Alexander, made their appearance on the Middle-Eastern scene. The fact is probably indicative of the recognition, by an eminent representative of modern civilization, of the ancient philosopher's importance; it may also be taken as a sign of the times, in that it expresses the need of many to reexamine and understand better the teachings of Epicurus, their relevance to our own times and their usefulness in the planning of our lives