The reputation of Gassendi, in his life time, rested chiefly upon his physical theories; but his influence was much felt as a Christian upholder of Epicureanism.

Gassendi was at one time in orders as a Roman Catholic, and professor of theology and philosophy.

He established an Epicurean school in France, among the disciples of which were, Moliere, Saint Evremond, Count de Grammont, the Duke of Rochefoncalt, Fontenelle, and Voltaire.
The standard of Virtue and Vice is referred by Epicurus to pleasure and pain.

Pain is the only evil, Pleasure is the only good.

Virtue is no end in itself, to be sought: Vice is no end in itself, to be avoided.
The motive for cultivating Virtue and banishing Vice arises from the consequences of each, as the means of multiplying pleasures and averting or lessening pains.