Locke’s theory of self-ownership continues to inform how individuals in modern societies perceive themselves as capable of choosing and acting freely and independently, motivated by their own intentions.
However, as a scholar of 18th-century British literature and culture, I am aware that some of Locke’s contemporaries challenged his portrayal of the fixed and ownable self, arguing that individuals are made up of constantly moving atoms and therefore fluid and prone to being transformed.
This idea, which came from the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, may prove valuable and persuasive as societies struggle to recover from the devastation of COVID-19.
The Fourfold Remedy by John Sellars review â the secret of happiness
Is mental tranquillity the answer? And how can we integrate an Ancient Greek philosopherâs teachings into modern life?
The Philosopherâs Garden, Athens, colored engraving. after Antal Strohmayer. Photograph: Lanmas/Alamy
The Philosopherâs Garden, Athens, colored engraving. after Antal Strohmayer. Photograph: Lanmas/Alamy
EdithHall
Fri 8 Jan 2021 02.30 EST
Last modified on Wed 27 Jan 2021 10.54 EST
Last year inflicted ill-health, death, bereavement, unemployment and poverty on some, and led others to look inwards and re-evaluate lifestyle and priorities. Many have sought therapeutic remedies for anxiety and insomnia as well as advice on how to feel happier. Some ancient Mediterranean answers to such psychological issues can be found in John Sellarsâs little book. It explores the ideas of the Athenian philosopher Epicurus, born in 341BC, 19 years before Aristotle died. Epicurus taught t