Nietzsche and the “Happiness of Repose”

One of the more interesting aspects of the relatively unexplored topic of Nietzsche’s interest in Epicurus and Epicurean philosophy is his tendency to associate both with suffering. In this essay I examine a number of Nietzsche’s references to Epicurus and Epicureanism, paying particular attention to his recurring suggestion that both the foundation of this philosophy and its special appeal have much to do with the mitigation of suffering and the prospect of rest and contentedness. I also examine Nietzsche’s unusual suggestion that Epicureanism and Christianity (as well as the founders of these seemingly very different movements) have much in common. While Nietzsche is sympathetic to Epicurus and appreciates the therapeutic appeal of his philosophy, this essay goes on point out several fundamental ways in which this ancient “redemption doctrine” is markedly un-Nietzschean in its character and goals.