#97 ataraxia

ataraxia- calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquility

- C17 from Greek ataraktos- undisturbed, serenity

All three schools stressed the overarching value of ataraxia, the absence of disturbance in the soul.

For the Epicurians, ataraxia was synonymous with the only true happiness possible for a person. It signifies the state of robust tranquility that derives from eschewing faith in an afterlife, not fearing the gods because they are distant and unconcerned with us, avoiding politics and vexatious people, surrounding oneself with trustworthy and affectionate friends and, most importantly, being an affectionate, virtuous person, worthy of trust.

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