What Epicurus Can Teach us about Happiness at Work

It’s amazing how much we can still learn from philosophers who lived thousands of years ago. One such thinker, Epicurus, who lived from 341 to 271 BC, developed ideas on happiness that are strikingly relevant today—especially for professionals navigating the complexities of modern corporate life.

Although Epicurus wrote over 300 books, only fragments have survived. Still, what remains offers a compelling perspective. Often misunderstood as advocating for indulgent luxury, his actual philosophy is quite the opposite: he believed in the power of simple pleasures. According to Epicurus, happiness lies not in wealth or status, but in three key ingredients: friendship, freedom, and reflection (de Botton, 2012).

Friendship: The Underrated Workplace Asset

Epicurus placed great value on friendship, even designing his home with a garden to host shared meals with friends. He understood that happiness is created when we’re surrounded by people we trust and enjoy. Fast forward a few millennia, and research from Gallup reinforces this ancient wisdom: having a best friend at work is a significant predictor of job satisfaction (Gallup, 2024).

This highlights the importance of building authentic connections at work. Do you have colleagues you can confide in or celebrate small wins with? If not, consider reaching out more intentionally. Relationships take time and effort to curate and they’re foundational to sustained happiness.

Freedom: Reclaiming Autonomy in a Demanding World

Epicurus sought freedom by living modestly outside the city, growing and harvesting his own food. While we may not all move to the countryside, we can strive for psychological freedom—liberation from the pressure to constantly perform, compare, or chase status symbols.

In corporate life, this might mean resisting the trap of equating self-worth with promotions or titles. It could mean setting boundaries, clarifying your values, and aligning your work with what genuinely matters to you. Being financially savvy and reducing dependence on a single outcome can also create more freedom to make choices that increase your level of happiness.

Reflection: Gaining Clarity and New Perspectives

Epicurus famously wrote:

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for” (World History Encyclopedia, 2016).

This is timeless advice. Today, reflection often gets pushed aside in favor of urgency and productivity. Yet modern research echoes his wisdom: gratitude and self-awareness are powerful levers for well-being (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

At any career stage, taking stock of what’s working well can be eye-opening. Are you proud of a recent project? Do you have a supportive manager or team? Start a gratitude journal or end the week by recognizing what went well. Progress comes faster when we expand on what’s working instead of getting stuck in what’s lacking.

Epicurus offers a deceptively simple but profound message: happiness doesn’t have to be complex. It’s found in cultivating meaningful relationships, reclaiming personal freedom, and regularly reflecting on life’s blessings.

Ask yourself: What tweak can I make today to raise my happiness barometer? Whether it’s scheduling lunch with a colleague, setting clearer boundaries, or pausing to appreciate your progress—Epicurus would argue that these small choices are the very essence of a life well lived.

References and further reading:

De Botton, A. (May 23, 2012). Epicurus on Happiness – Philosophy: A guide to happiness. [YouTube]. Accessed June 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irornIAQzQY

Gallup (January 19, 2024). The increasing importance of a best friend at work. Authors: Alok Patel and Stephanie Plowman. Accessed June 2025.  https://www.gallup.com/workplace/397058/increasing-importance-best-friend-work.aspx

Harvard Health Publishing (August 14, 2021). Giving thanks can make you happier. Accessed June 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

World History Encyclopedia (September 7, 2016). Epicurus.  Author: Donald L. Wasson. Accessed June 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/Epicurus/