Editing Epicureanism (section)

====Friendship====
{{blockquote|of all the things which wisdom has contrived which contribute to a blessed life, none is more important, more fruitful, than friendship|quoted by Cicero<ref>''On Goals'', 1.65</ref>}}
Epicurus laid great emphasis on developing friendships as the basis of a satisfying life. The avoidance or freedom from hardship and fear is ideal to the Epicureans.<ref name="Cambridge University Press"/> While this avoidance or freedom could conceivably be achieved through political means, it was insisted by Epicurus that involvement in politics would not release one from fear and he advised against a life of politics.<ref name="Cambridge University Press"/> Epicurus also discouraged contributing to political society by starting a family, as the benefits of a wife and children are outweighed by the trouble brought about by having a family.<ref name="Cambridge University Press"/> Instead Epicurus encouraged a formation of a community of friends outside the traditional political state. This community of virtuous friends would focus on internal affairs and justice.<ref name="Cambridge University Press"/> However, Epicureanism is adaptable to circumstance as is the Epicurean approach to politics.<ref name="Cambridge University Press"/> The same approaches will not always work in protection from pain and fear. In some situations it will be more beneficial to have a family and in other situations it will be more beneficial to participate in politics. It is ultimately up to the Epicurean to analyse their circumstance and take whatever action befits the situation.<ref name="Cambridge University Press"/>