Hedonism - to pleasure or not to pleasure

[c&r]

Excuse me if this has been discussed recently, it probably has, but as I haven't been around for a while I really have no idea.

Fairly simple, do you subscribe to a hedonistic philosophy? Or more simply, do you live for pleasure/believe the only good in life is pleasure?

Personally I attempt to live every moment of my life in the most pleasurable state possible. What is the point of living if all we have is boredom and guilt? I believe in total freedom (yes, total freedom, who's going to be the first to ask me how I can be so selfish? :roll: ). I assume that really this is a policy for the young; perhaps growing older, the effects of the said pleasure seeking are more noticeable. I feel no side effects at the present moment, and when I start to do so, I'll balance my lifestyle accordingly.

Or perhaps you feel that true pleasure seeking is debauched? It's certainly not hard to see how one could reach that conclusion. The majority of deep pleasure, our darkest desires, is massively frowned upon by society; perhaps you find one person's idea of pleasure repulsive, failing to see even how pleasure could be found in it.

There's also the argument that living in such a manner is selfish. I don't really care much for others feelings as long as I'm happy, but so what? The selfish argument is essentially flawed anyway. Yes, I'm selfish, so why would I mind that I'm selfish? Besides, the majority of those who I know who pretend to be 'selfless' essentially have selfish motives at heart anyway - helping people out makes you feel good about yourself. Perhaps it gives you a self esteem boost.

I can't help but feel that I'll eventually burn out on my lifestyle. Novelty seeking can surely only be taken so far before all the novelties have ran out; substances can only be abused so many times before the rush starts to die. Perhaps in the long run, by seeking such extreme pleasure now, I'm ruining any hope of pleasure in later life.

I also keep thinking over whether pleasure seeking is morally wrong, and whether morals should get in the way of pleasure seeking, but that's probably a debate for another day.

All in all, how do you feel? Do you like to live a lifestyle of debauched excess, or do those who do so disgust you?

EDIT: Please note, I only gave doing drugs as an example; this is not a drugs thread.

 

[Ben]

I give myself over to absolute pleasure.

I don't dream it, I be it.

Etc.

 

[tks]

My life is like an erotic nightmare beyond any measure.

I'm a wild and an untamed thing.

Etc.

 

[LiveForTheLaunch]

I can't say I "live for extreme pleasure", I mean, I have to do logical things too like school work and actual work.. But, the odd pleasure here and there is nice. Drugs, drinking, and "substance abuse" aren't my idea of extreme pleasure though, really. I much enjoy other things, and I'd much rather travel than sit around smoking pot or drinking. I wish I COULD do things I loved as often as I like, but sadly, my income isn't exactly enough to do so .

So yeah, pleasure is nice when it comes, though pleasure doesn't always mean drugs you know.

 

[SaiyanHajime]

I think being happy, being in pleasure, is a personal illusion that can be gained from anything. Substance abuse is, for example, my idea of a nightmare.

Nice to see you around again, c&r.

I do however think that a certain amount of selfishness is required for everyone, and that people should do what they have to do to be happy... but within reason. You feel no side effects because that's the kind of person you are, not because they aren't there. I'd feel them. I'm the sort of person who gives myself extra things to do, and stresses myself out, and often I'm happier when I just get on and do the list of things I need to do. So, I don't even wish I could spend every second drawing and going to theme parks and eating far too much cheesecake, because when I do I feel the effects. I feel ill, behind, tired, disappointed in myself.

I think people should do what they have to do to be happy but whilst taking into consideration that other people should too, and so make it possible for those you care about to do that as stress free as possible.

 

[Hixee]

I like to think so yes.

I wouldn't say I was completely free, I look into the future and think about certain things. Drugs, for example, just don't justify it, however most things I do I'd like to think I do freely.

It's a tough one that's hard to give a written opinion on. It'd be much easier in conversation as there are so many possible routes and topics that could be covered.