Epicurus

I am still not sure which classical school of philosophy I favor. It seems as if  a good deal of wisdom was there, but somehow it was all only particularly dealt with by single philosophers. 

The last chapter that I read about was about Epicurus and Lucretius, who despised religion and above all the superstition that comes with it.

Is it good to have a world without religion?

I am a religious man myself, but I am also a scientist. Nevertheless, what I believe in has a lot to do with the presence, the here and now, and not so much with flying pasta monsters. However, it is almost impossible to talk about Zen, especially for a humble pupil and beginner. Maybe it is even harder for a master.

So I write about a world without religion. 

Yesterday my girlfriend brought some food to the Bauernbergpark man. We can do such things without religion. On the other hand, Jesus, Buddha and other prophets or religious teachers, say that it is a good thing to do so. I think religions have many good things to say. But what is the problem with them, if there are positive, useful and generous ethical messages that are the core of the teachings of any religion (except maybe the church of Satan).

One problem is power and the interference with politics. It does not matter whether it is science, economy, art, education or religion that crosses the path of the political system, it will be a victim of power. Wonderful religious teachings will become inquisitions, crusades, Jihads and witch-hunts. 

Epicurus, I think taught to abstain from politics as well.

The pursuit of personal happiness is central for him. 

And he was wise enough to see that you cannot get that by eating 10 pounds of Hungarian goulash, drinking liters of wine and having sex with plenty of different women.

You see, there is good ethical teaching without religion, too.

So Epicurus and his disciple Lucretius might be right.

I am not sure but I am just 40 years old and I have to read a lot about the wisdom of the world, and I have to meditate a lot to get rid of all this knowledge again, to be sure.

Sometimes I envy the ones that say: I believe.

Sometimes I despise the ones that say: What I believe is right, and what you believe is wrong.

So, again, let me ask: Is it good to have a world without religion?

To be continued…