Ataraxia
The ancient Greek concept of tranquility - freedom from anxiety and mental disturbance.
Also known as: Tranquility, Peace of mind, Freedom from worry
Category: Concepts
Tags: philosophies, wisdom, tranquility, peace, well-being
Explanation
Ataraxia is an ancient Greek concept meaning tranquility, peace of mind, and freedom from worry and anxiety. Sought by Epicureans and Skeptics as the goal of philosophy, ataraxia is: a state of robust tranquility, untroubled by the vicissitudes of life, freedom from anxiety about things beyond our control. Achieving ataraxia involves: reducing desires (fewer wants, less anxiety), accepting uncertainty (releasing need to know everything), and focusing on present (not past regret or future worry). The Epicureans sought it through: simple pleasures, friendship, and philosophical reflection. The Skeptics through: suspending judgment about uncertain matters. Ataraxia differs from: numbness (it's positive peace, not absence of feeling), escapism (it's engaged with life), and laziness (it requires active practice). The state enables: clear thinking, appropriate action, and genuine enjoyment of life. For knowledge workers, pursuing ataraxia means: not over-worrying about outcomes, reducing unnecessary desires, and cultivating peace amid professional pressures.
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