Hedonic Mantra

Epicurus long ago recognized the importance of memorable summarizations in aiding the practical application of philosophical material, and further, he extended an explanation:

Even those who have made considerable progress in understanding the main principles must keep in mind an outline of the essentials of the whole system.  For we frequently have need of the general view, but less often do we need the details. And it is necessary to focus on the main principles, and commit them firmly to memory, if we are to gain a comprehension of the most essential truths.  This is because an accurate knowledge of details can be obtained only if the general principles in the various departments are thoroughly grasped.  Even for those who are well educated, the most essential feature of all accurate knowledge is the capacity to make a rapid use of that knowledge, and this can only be done if the details are summed up in elementary principles and formulas. For it is not possible to grasp the complete course through the whole system unless one can embrace in one's own mind short formulas that set forth the principles that control the details. (Epicurus, Letter to Herodotus). 

Taking this advice, I have attempted to provide such an outline here and here for Cyrenaicism. Indeed, the surviving primary Epicurean material consists precisely of the man’s own philosophical summarizations, quite fortunately preserved by Diogenes Laërtius. One further reduction comes in the form of Philodemus’ Tetrapharmakos, or “The Fourfold Cure”, which is a diminutive credo encapsulating the core elements of Epicurean ethical principles, derived from the first four Principal Doctrines. While there are some issues with the standard formulation, nonetheless, there is much to recommend a mantra of this sort, and I’d like to attempt something similar for Cyrenaicism, in order that Aristippeans may have something memorable to keep in mind during daily activity. In that spirit, I offer the following:

Hedonic Mantra:

Peace and pleasure, guiding lights;

Present moments, pure delights.

With confidence, adapt and thrive.

Temper indulgence, master drives.