The preserved fragments of one of the most prolific authors of ancient times. His core teachings (Major Doctrines) and the letters summarizing his theories in physics and ethics. The 10th book of Diogenes Laertius.

Epicurus, from the Athenian deme of Gargettus, was born in 341 BC. As a child, he lived in Samos, where his father, a schoolmaster, had migrated as a landowner. He early revealed his inclination toward philosophy and took a particular interest in Democritus' theory. He followed his parents in their moves and first appeared as a teacher of philosophy in Lampsacus.

In 306-305 BC, he settled permanently in Athens; he bought a small garden and there founded his school, which became known as the "Garden," and soon gained great fame. In the "Garden," students, both Greeks and foreigners, men and women, assembled, surrounding the philosopher with almost religious devotion and respect.

However, their cohabitation and the philosopher's teaching about pleasure were misinterpreted, and his school was accused and slandered. Epicurus died in 270 BC, and in his will, he bequeathed the school to his students, who preserved his teachings unchanged. From his extensive works, only a few fragments survive, as well as the texts of three of his letters and his will.

[Excerpt from the publisher's or edition's presentation text]