Letter to Idomeneus, on his last day
Epicurus describes intense bodily pain and sets against it the joy brought by memories of past conversations. He asks Idomeneus to care for Metrodorus’ children. These few lines join physical ordeal, an emotional resource, and responsibility toward those who will survive him.
Understanding the text
Diogenes inserts the letter after the will. Its transmission offers a document attributed to Epicurus while requiring awareness of the exemplary biographical construction in which it appears.
Short letter preserved in Diogenes Laertius X.22; traditionally dated to 270 BCE.
Key points
- 01
Pain acknowledged
The text neither denies suffering nor promises that an idea can remove it. It places present pain alongside pleasure derived from memory.
- 02
Relational memory
Joy comes from conversations shared with others. Philosophical remembrance concerns people and a common history, not only abstract propositions.
- 03
A concrete obligation
The request concerning Metrodorus’ children gives friendship a material dimension extending beyond death.
How to read it
Compare the letter with the provisions of the will; do not turn this individual testimony into a demand that every sick person remain happy.
Editions & sources
- Consult the reference 1perseus.tufts.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 2raw.githubusercontent.comnew tab
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗