By David Hegg
In his 11-volume, “The Story of Civilization,” philosopher and historian Will Durant offered the simple yet profound observation that “nations are born stoic and die epicurean.”
Stoicism focused its adherents on living a virtuous life, which was the key to happiness. Those who study the Founding Fathers’ reliance on stoic philosophers come to understand that the Declaration of Independence’s unalienable right, described as “the pursuit of happiness,” is to be understood as the result of virtue.
Stoicism also called its adherents to a character that endured hardship without complaining. Even a cursory study of the first hundred years of our country will showcase the amazing perseverance of wave after wave of immigrants – from different cultures and countries – who persevered against all odds to craft and shape our nation. Perhaps without understanding philosophy, they were nonetheless exemplary stoics.
On the other hand, Epicurus grounded his philosophy of life on the premise that fear of all kinds holds humanity captive. The answer? Pursue pleasure, both physical and mental, to be happy.
Increasingly, as I engage with people from many walks of life, I........