Epicurus

Epicurus founded Epicureanism, a philosophy centered on the pursuit of pleasure — but not hedonistic indulgence. He taught that the greatest pleasure comes from simple living, friendship, and the absence of pain and anxiety.

He developed an atomic theory of the universe, arguing that everything, including the soul, is composed of atoms. He saw philosophy as medicine for the soul, offering remedies for fear of death, fear of the gods, and unnecessary desires.