From Epicurean Delight to Dionysian Joy

This work seeks to find the philosophical link between Epicurus and Nietzsche. Both philosophers are known for their philosophical investigations on subjects as vast as meaning of life and death truth and other interesting philosophical inquiries. As we read Nietzsche’s middle period works such as Dawn or Daybreak and The Gay Science it seems as if we read Epicurus through Nietzsche. The Epicurean influence is quite clear. Nietzsche shows nothing but admiration for Epicurus and he goes on to call him his idyllic hero. However soon this friendly philosophical bond turns sour and Nietzsche as infamously known as ever targets Epicurus with merciless criticism. In The Anti-Christ Epicurus is depicted as a typical decadent. This philosophical shift is the main aim of this thesis. The entire project seeks to find answers to questions such as: What does this philosophical rupture mean for Nietzsche’s philosophy? What is the consequential outcome of breaking away from Epicurus? If there was ever an Epicurean influence what and how did it affect Nietzsche’s philosophical works? Did Nietzsche so to speak overcome his mentor Epicurus?