Living with Contentment in the Present: Selections from the Works of Pierre Gassendi (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

The sixth particular relates to our lusts or desires, the knowledge whereof is of that importance, that our skill ought chiefly to be employed in distinguishing between such as are really to be termed natural and necessary, and such as are vain and superfluous; for the happiness of life depends upon the denial of the latter, and our being content with the enjoyment of the former.

“[…] The last particular that Epicurus recommends to our consideration, is properly an exhortation to study philosophy, it being the best medicine for the soul; for philosophy, if we rightly consider the etymology of the word, is ‘the study of wisdom;’ and wisdom to the mind, is not only as medicine, by which our health is procured and preserved, but is as the very health itself. In truth, as the health of the body consists in a convenient temper and disposition of the humours and qualities, so the health of the mind consists in a moderation of the passions, we need but listen to Cicero to understand the reason of this comparison. ‘All passions,’ says he, ‘are adjudged by the philosophers the distempers of the mind; and they deny, that amongst such as are fools, there are any that are exempt from these distempers. Now such as are distempered,’ said he, ‘Are not healthy; therefore every one that is a fool is really sick.’ […]”

“Take from hence, both young and old, take from hence with you the viaticum, the entertainment, and the consolation of poor old age. For ‘tis of the study of philosophy that the poet speaks, […] styling it the ‘Viaticum of Old Age.’ But to mention that chiefly which ought to persuade young men to study philosophy, is that there is nothing more excellent and commendable, than to accustom ourselves betimes to good things, and to adorn the beauty of youth with the sweetness of wisdom, which commonly is the blessing of a more mature age. Nor is there any thing more agreeable than to prepare and make ourselves fit to meet and receive old age, which besides it’s proper blessings of maturity, may also shine forth with the lustre of those virtues, which were splendid and remarkable in our youth. So that by the frequent remembrance of the virtuous actions of our youth, we may in our elder years seem to grow young again. Moreover, wisdom is not only a proper and true ornament, but a very useful prop and assistance against the inconveniences and infirmities of age. ‘Tis that which animates old men with the same vigor as it does the young. […]”