How to Differentiate Between the “Good” and “Bad” Pleasures of Life
How do you differentiate between the good and bad pleasures of life? Yes, pleasure is not unanimously good or bad! Unlike people who glorify pleasure or absolutely show a disdain for it, the truth is humans do need some pleasure to lead a good life, but there has to be a sweet spot, which contributes more to your life than it takes away.
How do we find it? Let’s see what an ancient Greek philosopher had to say on this.
Epicurus, a legendary Greek Philosopher is frequently dubbed the philosopher of pleasure, but ironically, his concept of pleasure diverges sharply from hedonism or the pursuit of constant bliss.
Instead, Epicurus says that true pleasure lies in the absence of pain in the body and turmoil in the soul. In essence, what he defines as happiness or pleasure is fundamentally peace—seeking to avoid physical pain and emotional distress.
When Epicurus talks about pleasure, it’s not about engaging in activities that provide an immediate high only to result in discomfort later. For example, getting drunk might seem pleasurable at the moment, but the ensuing hangover transforms that pleasure into pain.
According to Epicurus, any pleasure that leads to subsequent pain greater than the pleasure itself, is in fact, detrimental.
This philosophy resonates deeply with me. I believe that life’s purpose isn’t about constant suffering nor relentless hedonism, as both extremes ultimately lead to pain. If you can indulge in moderate pleasures—choices that bring peace and do not result in significant pain later—then those actions are beneficial.
Conversely, activities that may seem pleasurable today but cause pain tomorrow should be avoided. This Epicurean wisdom is not only practical but also aligns with my approach to life.
When I was in my Teens and in my twenties, I could eat anything and experience the pleasures associated with them without many consequences, except maybe gaining weight. Today if I eat anything junk, I gain weight quickly. Once that happens it doesn’t take long for body parameters to go out of the normal range, and once that happens it doesn’t take long for health problems to appear.
So now my life is slowly becoming more about minimizing pain rather than experiencing continuous pleasure.
And this is going to be the trajectory for most people. Those who still prioritise only pleasure as they grow older will inevitably develop a whole lot of problems mentally and physically. This does not mean you forego pleasure totally, not at all. You only avoid pleasures that later give you pain, or at least manage them in a way that minimizes pain.
Examples of “Bad” Pleasures that could lead to intense future pain
Excessive consumption of Junk Food
Excessive Consumption of Liquor, tobacco
Consumption of Narcotic Drugs
Getting so obsessed with materialistic luxuries that you become devastated if you lose them.
Excessively hanging around people who may sound like “fun” but will then trap you into all of the above.
“Good” Pleasures without future pain or minimal future pain.
Productive hobbies that give you happiness.
Having friends and relationships that are in alignment with your nature.
Enjoying “materialistic” luxuries without being overly attached to them, basically, being okay, even if they are not there.
Indulging in entertainment that relaxes you as long as it does not turn into an addiction.
Healthy and tasty food.
Traveling to places you dreamt of.
A good night’s sleep (Unless you work the night shift, then you’ll be fired)
