that of his disciples, to bread and water.

It is of special encouragement to such of us as painfully realize our
meagre equipment for reaching a high plane of self-control, to learn that
Epicurus was by nature delicate and sensitive. At seven years of age, we
are told, he could not support himself on tiptoe, and called himself the
feeblest of boys. It is said that in his boyhood he had to be lifted from
his chair, that he could not look on the sun or a fire, and that his skin
was so tender as to prevent his wearing any dress beyond a simple tunic.
These physical characteristics suggest the makings of a first class "fuss"
and inveterate worrier. In this event his emancipation from such tendencies
must have been due to the practice of his own philosophy.

As an antidote for the fear of death and the miraculous in the heavens
Epicurus urges the study of Nature, showing his appreciation of the fact
that one thought can only be driven out by another, as well as of the
importance of the open air treatment of depressing fears.

That he recognized the doubting folly and its evils is shown by the
following Maxim for the Wise man:

"He shall be steady in his opinion and not wavering and doubtful in
everything."

To the hypochondriac he said:

"Health in the opinion of some is a precious thing; others rank it among
the indifferent." Again:

"If the body be attacked by a violent pain the evil soon has an end; if, on