Purpose V Pleasure

A post reflecting upon these two popular life pursuits

I read something the other day that said “Those who lack purpose seek pleasure”.

The words and accompanying picture strongly implied that ‘purpose’ was the more worthy quest and ‘pleasure’, a peasant lowland.

The other suggestion of course, was that ‘pleasure’ was not in itself, a valid ‘purpose’ in life.

It made me consider whether those ideas were planted or sculpted by religion/leaders over the years as a way of detaching us from our innate predisposition towards fostering and pursuing joy.

Or could it be that pleasure without an accompanying pain of some sort has always seemed unearned?

As an unapologetic pleasure seeker, I have often wondered when and why the pursuit of sheer joy became frowned upon as a life style choice.

When did it become socially unacceptable to aspire to a life of pleasing oneself? Was it always so? Why?

When did pleasure seeking become associated with stupidity and shallowness?

How did it become synonymous with immorality and excess, rather than the underrated contentment one can glean by absorbing the beauty of nature, sound of music or the company of a person or animal?

Again, my bet would be that this arose from religion or politics. A society that places value upon simple delights rather than materialism is at odds with an easily controlled one because there is no carrot to dangle. It therefore made sense to relate pleasure to sin rather than wholesomeness.

On to ‘purpose’.

There is an unquestioned assumption in humans that we should all be striving to take on some higher role.  That true fulfilment can only occur alongside or following great exertion, be it physical, intellectual, emotional effort or servitude.

Is the theory that the reward that comes about after struggle, is a better grade one, or is it that a context of investment make it so?

Certainly, I would concede that the need so many people have to give themselves to another human being, vocation, cause or faith appears to give them personal significance and satisfaction.

Does a desire for purpose exist in animals?  Does the ‘top dog’ hierarchy we observe throughout the animal kingdom reflect an urge across all species to attain a higher standing, or is that different? Is that just about asserting power?

I put it to you that seeking both ‘Purpose’ and ‘Pleasure’ can be all be boiled down to a desire for power.

Power over oneself by intentionally constructing conditions that create endorphin release (pleasure). Or, in the case of ‘Purpose’, by convincing yourself you wield power (or that more palatable word, influence) over others, be this by gained knowledge, status or acquired respect.

Hmm…..

Those are my thoughts this Friday morning.

I’d be interested to hear yours.

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