"The smart people of the world don't want to study philosophy anymore," said Hiram Crespo, author of the new book Tending the Epicurean Garden and founder of the Society of Friends of Epicureanism. "People think philosophy is abstract, irrelevant and ancient; I'm very against this."
Crespo, 38, identifies as gay and as a modern Epicurean, writing Tending the Epicurean Garden in just a few months to introduce the ancient philosophy to the modern world and explain how Epicureanism can be applied to 21st-century living.
Founded in 307 B.C., Epicureanism is a system of values grounded in the teachings of Greek philosopher Epicurus. According to the book, it is a secular humanist doctrine centering on atomic materialism as well as condemning superstition and divine intervention, limiting one's desires, removing all mental anguish and bodily pain, letting go of fear, and gaining knowledge about the facets of the world. In Crespo's words, "Consciously or subconsciously, every human determines the hedonic calculus of a choice, which is working out the sum total of pleasure and pain generated by an act and making the best decision based on one's personal values. In a practical way, Epicureanism provides guidance to make the best decision."
Crespo officially became Epicurean in January 2013; he had been studying the philosophy for many months and finally took the plunge after a photo of Pope Benedict giving a blessing to Ugandan parliamentarian Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga went viral in early December 2012. Kadaga promised to pass the "Kill The Gays" bill as a Christmas present to her large constituency in Uganda, and Crespo was disturbed that the Vatican not only allowed her on holy grounds, but also upheld the pope's blessing.
"Most people do not have philosophical hygiene," said Crespo, "meaning both religious and non-religious people do not regularly examine their desires, attachments, aversions, etc., which is essential to truly understanding your inner self and achieving happiness." Crespo incorporated Epicureanism in his life to maintain philosophical hygiene; he was raised Catholic and understands the importance of discipline in one's life, but he knew he could no longer support the Catholic church in any way.
In the book, Crespo seeks to intersect modern medical and psychological research with Epicurus' ancient teachings about health and happiness. Epicurus believed gaining knowledge about the workings of world and expressing daily gratitude are vital to sustaining happiness; furthermore, participating in happy practices like pursuing passions, reminiscing with friends, expressing romantic feelings, and tending the inner garden of one's self are indispensable to attaining a state of tranquility. According to Crespo ( as well as the book Buddha's Mind, by Dr. Rick Hanson ), modern scientists specializing in neuroplasticity of the brain have proved that regularly practicing Epicurean-esque teachings, like the ones mentioned above, make one's brain healthier, make one's life longer and make one much happier.
More than a year and a half ago, Crespo founded the Society of Friends of Epicureanism in Chicago and launched a website to educate people about the ancient philosophy. He is excited for the potential of "Tending the Epicurean Garden" and hopes to host regular meetings of Epicurists in Chicago to discuss how the philosophy applies to current issues and contemporary living.
Regarding the LGBT community, Crespo said, "I think for younger people who are thinking about coming out or just came out who do not have a wholesome relationship with divinity could gain a lot of knowledge from 'Tending the Epicurean Garden.'" Crespo finished by saying, "Anyone who suffers from temper issues or depression have the potential to learn sensible discipline from Epicureanism and I think my book would really help."
Notable Epicureans include Virgil, Julius Caesar, Thomas Jefferson, and well-known atheist Christopher Hitchens. Crespo's book Tending the Epicurean Garden is available on Amazon.
