4 ms·
> Why is short-term pleasure wrong? This is a great question, and firmly in the realm of philosophy, so there will never be a definitive answer, only ones whi
by codemonkey-zeta 5y ago
> Why is short-term pleasure wrong?
This is a great question, and firmly in the realm of philosophy, so there will never be a definitive answer, only ones which you might find useful.
I prefer the Stoic's attitude toward pleasure. To (very loosely) paraphrase Marcus Aurelius:
For each evil characteristic a man can have, the gods gave also a counteracting virtue. For dishonesty, honesty. For fear, courage, etc. To counteract pleasure-seeking, self-control. How can it be good if we are given a virtue counteracting it?
- RandomLensman 5y agoI am more a proponent of some forms of hedonism. An emperor talking about indifference to pain or not seeking pleasure isn't someone I could follow philosophically.
- philwelch 5y agoEpictetus was a slave.
- codemonkey-zeta 5y agoAgreed, but there are certain people I've experienced who simply can never acquiesce to stoic doctrine. To poorly paraphrase Epictetus (from "Against followers of the academy"): When a man had hardened himself against what is manifestly clear, what argument, what flaming sword can I bring to bear against him?
- sokoloff 5y agoPerhaps pleasure-seeking is instead the virtue to counteract self-control?