Marius the Epicurean

"Marius the Epicurean" is a philosophical novel written by Walter Pater, published in 1885. It follows the life of Marius, a young Roman in the 2nd century AD, exploring themes of hedonism and the pursuit of beauty. Marius is drawn to Epicurean philosophy, which emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain while valuing intellectual and aesthetic experiences. Through his journey, Marius encounters various philosophies and lifestyles, reflecting on the nature of happiness, art, and the complexities of human experience against the backdrop of a declining Roman society.