Epicurus divides the class of natural desires into two sub-classes: desires that are both natural and necessar

Question

Epicurus divides the class of natural desires into two sub-classes: desires that are both natural and necessary and desires that are natural but not necessary. What does he mean by necessary and unnecessary desires, and why does he regard it as important that we distinguish between them?

Answer 1

one way to sum it up
a natural and necessary desire would be for water, to keep you alive
a natural but unnecessary desire would be for a pleasant tasting beverage, such as water flavored with lemon
so there are two sub-categories of natural desires, and he also had another category called empty desires, which served no purpose, and actually could harm
i am not sure, but i would imagine with his philosophy, the importance of distinguishing between them would be,, to classify your needs, so that you can fulfill a need,,,, either physical or mental,,,,,,, and that will bring happiness, and elimination of pain
as in, if you know you are eating to replenish your body,,, you are concerned with the nutrients, hence the taste or enjoyment of the meal itself, is not important, the happiness comes from knowing your body is fed
if you are eating for pleasure,,,, then the smells/taste/presentation of the food,,, are important,,,,,, and that brings you happiness