Hedonism in Stoicism is a concept that may seem paradoxical at first glance. After all, Stoicism is a philosophy that preaches the control of emotions and the search for virtue, while hedonism is associated with the search for pleasure and the satisfaction of desires. However, when we analyze more deeply, we will see that these two philosophical currents can complement each other in an interesting way.
What is hedonism?
Hedonism is a philosophical current that has its roots in Ancient Greece, more specifically in the Cyrenaic school, founded by Aristippus of Cyrene. This current argues that pleasure is the supreme good and that we should seek as much pleasure as possible in our lives. For hedonists, pleasure is the criterion by which we should evaluate our actions and choices.
In hedonism, there are different approaches to pleasure. Some hedonists defend immediate and sensorial pleasure, while others value intellectual pleasure and the search for knowledge. Regardless of the approach, hedonism places pleasure as the main goal in life.
What is stoicism?
Stoicism, in turn, is a philosophy that emerged in Ancient Greece and reached its peak during the Roman Empire. Its main representatives were Zeno of Citium, founder of the Stoic school, and Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who developed and disseminated its teachings.
For the Stoics, virtue is the supreme good and the only thing that is under our control. They believe that we should accept destiny and life's circumstances with serenity, always seeking to act in accordance with reason and virtue. Stoicism advocates controlling emotions and seeking inner tranquility.
The relationship between hedonism and stoicism
Apparently, hedonism and stoicism are opposing philosophies. While hedonism values pleasure and the satisfaction of desires, Stoicism preaches controlling emotions and the pursuit of virtue. However, it is possible to find points of convergence between these two philosophical currents.
One of the ways to reconcile hedonism and stoicism is through the search for virtuous pleasure. For the Stoics, true pleasure lies in virtue, that is, in the practice of moral virtues, such as wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. By seeking virtuous pleasure, we are aligning our actions with reason and virtue, which brings us a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Hedonism in Stoicism: pleasure and virtue
In Stoicism, pleasure is not seen as an end in itself, but rather as a natural result of the practice of virtue. When we act in accordance with reason and virtue, we are in harmony with nature and experience a state of tranquility and inner satisfaction. This state of virtuous pleasure is long-lasting and does not depend on external circumstances.
For the Stoics, immediate and sensorial pleasure is not considered true pleasure, as it is subject to change and can lead us to excesses and addictions. True pleasure lies in virtue, in the search for the common good and in harmony with nature. By seeking virtuous pleasure, we are moving away from immediate, selfish pleasure and moving closer to a fuller, more meaningful life.
Hedonism in Stoicism: balance and moderation
Another point of convergence between hedonism and stoicism is the importance of balance and moderation. While hedonism can be associated with the unbridled search for pleasure, Stoicism preaches the control of passions and the search for temperance.
For the Stoics, virtuous pleasure lies in the balance between extremes. We must avoid both excess and deprivation, always seeking moderation in our actions and choices. Virtuous pleasure lies in the harmony between reason and desires, in the search for the middle ground that allows us to enjoy the pleasures of life without becoming slaves to them.
Hedonism in Stoicism: acceptance and gratitude
Finally, hedonism in Stoicism is also related to acceptance of life's circumstances and gratitude for what we have. Stoics believe that we should accept fate with equanimity, even when it does not meet our expectations.
By accepting life's circumstances, we are freeing ourselves from the suffering caused by resistance and fighting against what we cannot control. Gratitude, in turn, allows us to appreciate and value what we already have, instead of constantly searching for more.
Thus, hedonism in Stoicism invites us to seek virtuous pleasure, practice moderation, accept life's circumstances, and cultivate gratitude. By uniting these principles, we can find a way of living that brings us satisfaction and fulfillment, without giving up the search for virtue and control of emotions.
