The tetrapharmakon (τετραφάρμακον), literally translated as “four-part remedy” or “four-part cure,” comes from the rich philosophical landscape of Hellenistic Greece, specifically rooted in Epicurean philosophy. It represents a radical attempt to address human suffering and existential anxieties through rational understanding and philosophical practice. The idea comes from Epicurus of Samos (341-270 BCE) and his comprehensive strategy for achieving ataraxia (αταραξία) – a state of tranquillity and freedom from fear. Epicurus’s aim was to provide practical philosophical guidance for living a good life.

There are four main principles (core beliefs or κύριαι δόξαι) in the Epucurean remedy:

Don’t fear the gods (Ἄφοβον ὁ θεός)

Don’t worry about death (ἀνύποπτον ὁ θάνατος)

What is good is easy to get (καὶ τἀγαθὸν μὲν εὔκτητον)

What is terrible is easy to endure (τὸ δὲ δεινὸν εὐεκκαρτέρητον)

These four principles are originally derived from the four core substances of ancient medicine: wax, tallow, pitch and resin. Just as these ingredients were mixed to heal the body, the tetrapharmakon became a recipe for healing the mind. A significant departure from the philosophical approaches of Plato and Stoics who emphasised virtue or cosmic order, Epicureanism aimed to free individuals through rational thinking and a positive outlook. The recipe for healing is based on:

Understanding nature through reason

Valuing simple living

Cultivating meaningful friendships

Having thoughtful conversations

Returning to natural processes for peace of mind

The medicine proposed by Epicurus embraces mortality as a natural part of life. Other philosophical schools of the time, especially Stoicism, offered different ways to cope with existential anxiety with critics arguing that the Epicurean approach was too simplistic. Yet Epicurus’ structured approach does not seek to diminish the complexity of the human condition, rather its four principles provide a simple solution to complex problems that resonate more with contemporary approaches to mental health and philosophical and mindfulness practices.

Like the natural ingredients from which the recipe is derived, these principles do not aspire to be anything more complex or difficult than humble tools that promote individual and collective healing, and address the basic human need for meaning, connection, and hope.