Abstract

Nietzsche's treatment of Epicurus is an interesting example of philosophical hermeneutics. Epicurus bas tren notoriously misinterpreted, claims Nietzsche, because bis mask bas been taken for bis true face. Traditionally Epicurus is presented as a utilitarian or hedonist avant la lettre. This is a simplification motivated by a desire to deprecate bis philosophy. To Nietzsche Epicurus was „an idyllic hero”, a teacher with anistocratic predilections aun his own concept of good, critical of the traditional form of religion, and of the „pre-existent form of Cbristianity”. As a hedonist he was much less convincing, as he was afraid of both pain and pleasure. He assumed the mask of an epicure in order to hide bis true self. Nietzsche warn us over and over again not to trust the traditional interpretation of Epicurus and urges us to penetrate beyond the veil of a stylish disguise.