DAY 79 Pleasures of the Good Life - Hedonism

Pleasure as the "Good life"

1. Hedonism

Hedonism is doctrine of philosophy that focuses on pleasure as good. Things that bring about pleasure are good things; conversely, things that take away pleasure are bad. Hedonism originated in ancient Greece, but it has many modern adherents, such as utilitarians and consumerists. Hedonism tends to be egoistical, as it focuses on individual pleasure. A good life, in the Hedonist's view, is one filled with pleasure.

But what brings about pleasure? Aristippus, a 5^th century BCE Greek Hedonist and a follower of Socrates, founded the Cyrenaic school. He argued that physical pleasure was the ultimate good, and that immediate pleasure was superior to delayed or long-term pleasure. The pleasure of the moment was considered superior to the "pleasure of one's life". Aristippus would support consumerism.

Epicurus, a Greek who lived in the 4^th century BCE, argued a form of Hedonism that emphasized pleasures of the mind more than those of the body. Physical pleasure, particularly in terms of avoiding pain was important for Epicurus, and freedom from physical hardship was one of the two constituents of happiness. The other was ataraxia, or freedom from anxiety.

In Epicurus' Own Words - A Letter to Menoeceus

When we say, then, that pleasure is the end and aim; we do not mean the pleasures of the prodigal or the pleasures of sensuality, as we are understood to do by some through ignorance, prejudice, or willful misrepresentation. 

By pleasure we mean the absence of pain in the body and of trouble in the soul. It is not an unbroken succession of drinking-bouts and of revelry, not sexual lust, not the enjoyment of the fish and other delicacies of a luxurious table, which produce a pleasant life; it is sober reasoning, searching out the grounds of every choice and avoidance, and banishing those beliefs through which the greatest tumults take possession of the soul. 

Of all this the beginning and the greatest good is wisdom. Therefore wisdom is a more precious thing even than philosophy; from it spring all the other virtues, for it teaches that we cannot live pleasantly without living wisely, honorably, and justly; nor live wisely, honorably, and justly without living pleasantly. 

For the virtues have grown into one with a pleasant life, and a pleasant life is inseparable from them.

Epicurus believed that the "trouble in the soul" involved in trying to live an extravagant, luxurious lifestyle focused on sensual pleasures caused too much anxiety, as you would constantly have to worry about amassing wealth to purchase luxury and be focused on enjoying it. Better to live a simple life, with lots of time to reflect on the happiness found in simple pleasures. The good life was a life of freedom from worry. Epicurus valued serenity, simplicity, and friendship. Contemplation and reflection were the highest pleasures, along with simple, strong friendship. He and his followers formed communes, where they lived simply and austerely.

The focus of Epicureanism was on the happiness of the individual, best achieved through this simple living. The influence of Epicurus on the ancient world was profound and his philosophy of the simple pleasures was one of the most popular in Roman times. Many people today would agree with Epicurus, and modern movements like Voluntary Simplicity and Anti-consumerism are a reflection of the ideas of Epicurus.

Today's Perception 

In modern usage, the term epicure (or epicurean) means someone who enjoys luxurious food and good living. It can even mean the same as glutton, someone who greedily eats far more than they need. Not quite the way Epicurus lived!