Tranquilism

Tranquilism is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the prevention of cravings and the absence of frustration or suffering as key to achieving a tranquil state. This idea is closely associated with Epicurean philosophy.
Core principles
At its core, tranquilism posits that the relief of suffering, rather than the pursuit of peak hedonic experiences, is central to happiness. According to Lukas Gloor, cravings constitute suffering, and a tranquil state—free from tension or frustration—is what many aspire to achieve. This aligns with Epicurean philosophy, which values katastematic pleasures such as the absence of pain (aponia) and freedom from distress (ataraxia). This freedom is a key aspect of tranquilism, as it emphasizes resilience and indifference to external harms. Epicurus argued that by understanding death and dying from an atomistic perspective, one can develop a resilient tranquility that makes individuals practically invulnerable to almost all bodily and mental pain.
Ethical implications
Tranquilism suggests that ethical priorities should focus on comparing the relief of different levels of suffering rather than comparing happiness with suffering. This perspective shifts the focus from creating happiness to relieving suffering, suggesting that a tranquil state can be equated to high life satisfaction and positive affect.
Aristotle also stresses the harmony of the soul, where reason governs spirit and desire, leading to inner peace. Beyond moral virtues, he values intellectual virtues like wisdom and understanding as essential for tranquility. Furthermore, Aristotle views virtuous social relationships as vital for emotional well-being. Thus, tranquility arises from a life lived in virtue, balance, rational reflection, and meaningful human connection.
Marcus Cicero, an opponent of Epicurus, described the ideal life as one of “tranquility crammed full of pleasures,” where bodily and mental pleasures remain undisturbed by pain or fear—especially fear of death or supernatural powers. Such a life requires a strong mind free from anxiety and fear; this calmness is itself a form of pleasure, not separate from it.
Within this context, Lukas Gódor’s modern concept of tranquilism proposes that the moral goal should be to reduce suffering by aiming for tranquility, understood as the absence of desire, rather than the pursuit of positive experiences. Gódor’s approach draws from Buddhist ideas but notably does not engage with the pessimistic tradition of philosophers like Schopenhauer, who also advocated desirelessness through asceticism. This omission is seen as a shortcoming in current philosophical discourse on suffering and tranquility.<ref name="viewcontent"/>

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