The Garden of Epicurus: A Sanctuary of Friendship, Simplicity, and Joy

In 306 BCE, on the outskirts of Athens, the philosopher Epicurus planted more than just olive trees and herbs — he planted the seeds of a new way of life. His Garden, both a home and a community, became a living experiment in philosophy: a space where people could step away from the noise of ambition and politics to cultivate friendship, reflection, and inner peace.

Unlike Plato’s Academy or Aristotle’s Lyceum, the Garden was not designed as a formal school. It was instead a community of practice, where daily life itself was the subject of philosophy. Epicurus taught that the highest good was ataraxia — the absence of disturbance — and that true happiness could be found not in wealth or power, but in simplicity, friendship, and freedom from fear.

A Radical Community

The Garden was remarkable not only for its ideas, but also for who it welcomed. At a time when philosophy was reserved for elite men, Epicurus opened his doors to women, slaves, and people of all social classes. In doing so, he built one of the first communities in history that saw the pursuit of wisdom as a human right, not a privilege.

Friendship as the Greatest Pleasure

For Epicurus, friendship was the cornerstone of happiness. He believed that having trusted companions was more valuable than any material possession. The Garden was, above all, a place where friendship was cultivated as a daily practice, through conversation, shared meals, and mutual care.

A Philosophy of Simple Pleasures

Epicurus’ teachings have often been misunderstood as an invitation to indulgence. In reality, his philosophy celebrated moderation and simplicity. He taught that pleasure was not about excess, but about learning to enjoy what is essential — the taste of seasonal fruit, the calm of a garden breeze, the laughter of friends.

The Legacy of the Garden

After Epicurus’ death, his followers continued to gather, celebrate, and reflect in the Garden, preserving his philosophy for generations. Today, “epicurean” is often misused to describe a life of luxury, but in its original form, it pointed to a far more radical and relevant idea: that true joy is found in simplicity, tranquility, and connection.

At Can Silvestre, we find inspiration in this ancient vision. Much like the Garden of Epicurus, our residency is a place where daily life becomes part of the creative process — where friendship, nature, and simplicity create the conditions for deeper inspiration and peace.