Ataraxia

In Ancient Greek philosophy, ataraxia (Greek: ἀταραξία, from ἀ- indicating negation or absence and ταραχ- tarach- 'to disturb, trouble' with the abstract noun suffix -ία), generally translated as 'unperturbedness', 'imperturbability', 'equanimity', or 'tranquility',[1] is a lucid state of robust equanimity characterized by ongoing freedom from distress and worry.

In non-philosophical usage, ataraxia was the ideal mental state for soldiers entering battle.

In Pyrrhonism, ataraxia is the intended result of epoché (i.e., suspension of judgment) regarding all matters of dogma (i.e., non-evident belief), which represents the central aim of Pyrrhonist practice,[3] that is necessary to bring about eudaimonia.

[5]: 120 In Stoicism, unlike Pyrrhonism or Epicureanism, ataraxia, or tranquillity of the mind,[7]: 100–101  is not the ultimate goal of life.

Instead, the goal is a life of virtue according to nature,[7]: 99  which is intended to bring about apatheia, the absence of unhealthy passions.