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Stoicism Stoicism, a very popular philosophical idea at the time of the Satyricon,
is considered to be one of the most important philosophies of ancient roman times. Stoicism originated in Hellenistic Greece
and insisted on the acceptance of all situations, even adverse ones, which seemed to effectively reflect what the Romans considered
to be their crowning achievements, 'virtus' which means manliness or toughness. The extract from the Satyricon, on the previous page, is an excellent example of a Stoic point of
view as one of the integral parts of the philosophy dictates that each individual life, action and situation is determined
by a larger whole, or a God. The philosophy also calls upon a respect for authority which is not shown in the extract as
the guest undermines the power of the aediles. This fits in well with the stories genre of satire.
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Epicureanism Epicureanism, founded by Epicurus, is the philosophical belief whereby
it is impossible to live a wisely, justly and honourably without living a pleasant life. The philosophy teaches that when
you are hungry, you feel pain, therefore you should eat to stop the pain, but you should not eat too much or too richly as
that would again cause pain. This philosophy is shown
in the Satyricon through Trimalchio's love of good things, however it is not truly Epicureanist, as he claims to be, as there
is no balance. Trimalchio participates in vulgar displays of wealth and these 'good' things. Trimalchio takes the philosophical
idea too far without really understanding it which proves that intelligence does not necessarily come with wealth which fits
in well with the Satyricons genre of satire.
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