A Life Full of Pleasure

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A Life Full of Pleasure

Here is a list which shows how there are different aspects to a life full of pleasure. If you can think of things that could be added to the list, please add a comment here. This shows how life is a full rainbow of adding pleasure and removing pain. And just like they say that eating a rainbow of colors of fruits and vegetables is healthy for the body, we also need to "eat a rainbow" of things that bring pleasure and remove pain. Also, I am thinking about these things coming about due to a kind of "right effort" and taking action. But we aren't struggling painfully to "make" things happen in life, but instead we set an intention, make plans for actions, and move forward with optimism.

Comments 2

July 17, 2025 at 5:49 PM

I love this. Especially: “how life is a full rainbow of adding pleasure and removing pain.”

With due reference to the discussion of "katastematic hedonism” here: Preuss - "Epicurean Ethics - Katastematic Hedonism", I wonder what katastematic pleasures might be added. For example –

Resting contentedly in my recliner after a satisfying meal, perhaps just feeling the pleasure of my breathing. Or idle, non-directed daydreaming on a rainy day. Or …

Perhaps not good examples: really just asking the question … :)
July 18, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Author

Pacatus My idea was to keep the categories at a fairly high level of abstraction. I am not sure that those specific pleasures you mentioned are necessary for everyone. And thinking further I should probably remove music and traveling from the list if I want to keep it abstract.

Your examples have prompted my thinking that I need to add "savoring" to the list - the act of mental appreciation.

Also since most people spend more time at home rather than traveling, I should add "making a cozy/pleasant home"...and also "engaging in work/career that is well suited to one's constitution".

Or perhaps two lists. Or perhaps everyone needs to make personalized lists. ^^