The modern revival of Epicureanism should be practiced as a philosophy not as a religion. There is no need for faith or symbolic rituals to embolden the empirical understanding of this philosophy. One studies and implements this philosophy to directly and personally experience the benefits of this wisdom. While one might at times feel an intense gratitude toward the teachings and the original teacher Epicurus, there is no need to create a religion out of it. The world has seen too much harm and violence from organized religion. By maintaining the identity of a philosophical society rather than a religion, Epicurean revivalists offer a feeling of openness and freedom to those who have experienced past injury from religious fundamentalism. Instead of the worship of a leader (be it Epicurus or a currently living guide) thorough study and practice of Epicurean principles take center stage. Each individual in the society of Epicurean friends can then become a natural ambassador of joy. T