Ask the Author: Hiram Crespo
Answered Questions (2)
Hiram Crespo
1. Value your time
2. Seek mentors
3. Find an area of expertise or focus; become fully knowledgeable in one area
4. Blog, blog blog ... Write, write, write ...
2. Seek mentors
3. Find an area of expertise or focus; become fully knowledgeable in one area
4. Blog, blog blog ... Write, write, write ...
Hiram Crespo
I formally adopted Epicureanism in January of 2013. As I delved deeper into the studies, I continued to be amazed by how coherent the entire philosophical system was, but also noticed that the main reason why I was profiting from it was, in great part, because I had access to guidance from a true Epicurean (Cassius, of newepicurean.com) who led me to good source materials, and that most sources on Epicureanism were indirect or even hostile.
Even many well-meaning sources who sought to represent the philosophy on its own terms often failed to do so, in part because of so many centuries of defamation and misuse of terms like 'hedonism' or lack of depth of understanding about crucial issues like hedonic calculus. On top of that, the works that emerge from academia are so expensive that they are out of reach for the common reader, particularly the translations and commentaries on Philodemus which over the years I've made available via my own commentaries (titled 'Reasonings') on societyofepicurus.com.
I felt that there was a need for a complete introduction to Epicureanism on its own terms by a modern, practicing Epicurean. I also felt that there was a need to modernize the doctrine in light of all the scientific research available on physics, on the science of happiness, and other fields, which either updates or vindicates the teaching. To restore Epicurus' legacy, a new conversation between past and present was needed.
I decided to submit a book proposal to Humanist Press for a book that was to be called, tentatively, "Tending the Garden" ... and the rest is history.
Even many well-meaning sources who sought to represent the philosophy on its own terms often failed to do so, in part because of so many centuries of defamation and misuse of terms like 'hedonism' or lack of depth of understanding about crucial issues like hedonic calculus. On top of that, the works that emerge from academia are so expensive that they are out of reach for the common reader, particularly the translations and commentaries on Philodemus which over the years I've made available via my own commentaries (titled 'Reasonings') on societyofepicurus.com.
I felt that there was a need for a complete introduction to Epicureanism on its own terms by a modern, practicing Epicurean. I also felt that there was a need to modernize the doctrine in light of all the scientific research available on physics, on the science of happiness, and other fields, which either updates or vindicates the teaching. To restore Epicurus' legacy, a new conversation between past and present was needed.
I decided to submit a book proposal to Humanist Press for a book that was to be called, tentatively, "Tending the Garden" ... and the rest is history.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more