this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2023
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Socialism
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I dislike hedonism in the case it antagonizes discipline. There are many cases where our desires overcome our sense of self and end up as addictions. I guess what I dislike is formless desire unrestricted by rationality. Self-discipline = sense of self = good.
It is my view that everything is political, how could a way of thinking about desire not be? Hedonism in particular is perfectly suited for the current consumer culture which claims to satisfy our every want, which treats desire as the ultimate drive in the world and monetizes it. Participation in market economy is addictive and erodes our sense of self. It weakens us as individuals and prepares us for its hierarchies.
Not all hedonistic philosophies are pro-consumer. Epicureanism, for example, still keeps personal happiness as the overarching goal, but considers following pleasure and desire to be reckless and counterproductive.
The way to personal happiness isn't through following desires, it's through eliminating needs and pains. The only way to reach sustainable, long lasting happiness is through a healthy body and an unburdened mind. It promotes simple living and imo is one of the better fits for a socialist world.
Overindulgence is anathema to Epicureanism, since it creates more pain for the person in the long term. Sure, drug abuse could make you incredibly happy for a few hours, but it ruins your body and your mind, so it's really not worth it.
It stands to reason, then, that any self interested person following Epicureanism would turn towards community and friends, since it's pleasant to know people are doing well and unpleasant to know people are feeling miserable. Try as you might, deep down you won't be truly happy as long as you know there's something you could be doing to help, but aren't.
Well, I have nothing against old Epicurus, just unrestricted hedonism.