The Art of Happiness According to Epicureanism and Matthew McConaughey
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Epicurean philosophy, which developed around 300 BC in ancient Greece, holds that the art of happiness consists in a life of ethical hedonism. Matthew McConaughey’s recent memoir, Greenlights, also advocates ethical hedonism as the path to living well, but not the Epicurean kind.
An episode from McConaughey’s life might clarify the philosophical stakes.
In his early 30s, McConaughey found himself emotionally exhausted after some months of physical indulgence at the Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles. So he left Hollywood behind, traveled to Africa, and made efforts to learn from local villagers. Soon, his reputation for strength landed him in a competition.
Michael, a local wrestling champion from Begnemato, challenged McConaughey to a match in a dirt pit. Having only informal training, but excellent physical conditioning he thought: “Take the challenge or you will forever regret not knowing” (200).
In a surprising turn of events, the match ended in a draw, though McConaughey was bloodier and generally worse off. The next morning, as he prepared for his 15-mile walk to the next village, Michael waited for him at the perimeter of Begnemato. McConaughey recalls:
