The way I differentiate Epicureanism from Hedonism is the difference between maximization and optimization. Hedonism seeks to achieve an absolute maximum pleasu

The way I differentiate Epicureanism from Hedonism is the difference between maximization and optimization. Hedonism seeks to achieve an absolute maximum pleasure, irrespective of the cost. Epicureanism seeks an overall optimized pleasant life. Hedonism is Max(pleasure). Epicureanism is the integral of pleasure over a lifetime. Understanding it that way shows illustrates that a night of hedonistic heavy drinking, singing and dancing with friends, which may be a blast as it transpires, comes paired with a day of massive headache and lethargy. Whereas a night spent watching a favorite film with a new friend, and discussing it's merits afterwards is followed the next day with reflecting on the discussions and further enjoying it. The experience may not have the intensity of the drinking, but I'm left with only positive memories, not a mix of pleasure and pain.