The Spinoza Problem

by Irvin D. Yalom

“For Epicurus, ataraxia was the only true happiness. And how do we achieve it? Not through Plato’s harmony of the soul nor Aristotle’s attainment of reason but simply by the elimination of worry or anxiety.

“You will search the world over and not find a nonsuperstitious community. As long as there is ignorance, there will be adherence to superstition. Dispelling ignorance is the only solution. That is why I teach.”

Taking blame is just a way of deceiving ourselves into thinking we are powerful enough to control Nature.