For the same artistic motives he admitted the veneration of the gods. The gods, confined to intermundane space, cannot do us harm. It is necessary, however, to respect and venerate them, because they can show man the model of the happy life which they really enjoy. Religion, hence, is disinterested, consisting in a sentiment of art more than one of devotion. In a particular manner Epicurus does not know how to renounce friendship.
Solitude brings discomfort and fear.
Hence one must surround himself with friends. Epicurus put into practice this model of life. He lived at Athens in a splendid garden which was adorned with statues and enlightened by the presence of friends with whom he passed the time reasoning about art. The model of life of Epicurus was largely accepted in the age immediately following him. It has not entirely disappeared, for it lives again in our times as an ideal, especially among the wealthy classes.