Great minds run in the same direction. But in the case of great minds like Epicurus (342 – 270 BC) and Epictetus (50 – 130 AD), the path to their common goal was different. Both Epicurus and Epictetus believe that it is human nature to seek pleasure and that happiness involves serenity. However, Epicurus differs from Epictetus in that Epicurus does not believe that it is the virtues that bring happiness, but rather one's own pleasure. Although both Epicurus and Epictetus confirm their views on happiness, by juxtaposing these two philosophers it is evident that their views on how to achieve it are different, this can be demonstrated by comparing their individual ethical theories. Epicurus was a hedonist and believed that pleasure was the end/goal of life. He was born and educated on the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea. He later moved to Asia Minor and taught there for a few years until he moved to Athens in 306 BCE and taught in its famous garden, The Garden of Epicurus, until his death (Great Traditions of Ethics, 35). Epicurus lived a life of frugality and simplicity. Epicurus' ethical theory is based on his belief that “nothing is created from nothing” and therefore holds “…that only natural causes operate in the world…” (39). Epictetus, on the other hand, was a firm Stoic and therefore practiced Stoicism in his ethical theory and believed that “hedonism is a false doctrine” (56). Epictetus was born in the Greek city of Hierapolis in Phrygia. In his later life, he opened (another) school in Nicopolis and taught there until his death (Great Traditions of Ethics, 48). Since Epicurus and Epictetus had different foundations for their theories, their views on ethics and how it relates to happiness varied.......half of the paper...and ethical views such that Epicurus does not deny the existence of God but believes that there is no intervention in our lives. Epictetus' ethical views are influenced by his Stoic stance and therefore believe that God plays a huge role in our lives. But when it comes to death, Epicurus and Epictetus are on the same level. They both believe that anxiety is the biggest obstacle to happiness and that one should live frugally and obtain pleasure. And so, I can conclude that all great minds think alike…sometimes. Works Cited Denise, Theodore Cullom, Nicholas P. White, and Sheldon Paul Peterfreund. "The pleasant life." Great ethical traditions. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 35-45. Print.Denise, Theodore Cullom, Nicholas P. White, and Sheldon Paul Peterfreund. "Self-discipline." Great ethical traditions. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. 47-57. Press.