Jubulationg Hedons – A Primer on Analytic Hedonism

[Tramspotter]

While contemplating such things albiet in less depth and more on a practical level with hedonistic persuits the greeks experiments in excessive decadence failed. Personified by the empire of Athens which was crushed by the ultra utilitarian and practical sandle wearing citizens of Spara.

True happines I have found isn't found in Hedonism.

A damn good time however can and should be had.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Tramspotter

While contemplating such things albiet in less depth and more on a practical level with hedonistic persuits the greeks experiments in excessive decadence failed. Personified by the empire of Athens which was crushed by the ultra utilitarian and practical sandle wearing citizens of Spara.

Ah, but I bet they had fun while it lasted.

[blueerica]

[wendybeth]

Well, the Spartans didn't exactly last long, either. Perhaps they derived their hedons by exploiting the blissed out state of other societies, and then fell victim to an excess of their own particular brand of hedonism? Or perhaps their asshole karma simply caught up with them.

Fantastic thread, Doctor.

[Tramspotter]

The Persians were the bigger Assholes karma wise in the region.

Just saying the hight of pure indulgence mixed with human nature can quickly lead to narcissism, hubris, boredom and ultimately ruin of the idealized aesthetic beauty in what ever form it might take.

Not saying don't get your swank on just advocating moderation as opposed to... well won't list all the isms.

Just that hedonism has no historical successes as a basis for society that I can think of. Excessive decadent pursuits by ruling class or majority of the citizen class usually is the last stage of and harbinger for the fall of that civilization.

Erica is saying quit being a bummer but I really am at odds philosophically with that crazy German and I'm not talking about*€M

For fun and the pursuit of it without obligation is great. but as a philosophy perhaps interesting intellectually and fine personally if done in moderation but enlarged to a society the most un-admirable philosophies and states have sprung from having utopia as a goal.

If €M's brand though can circumvent human nature and all historical examples then more power to it...

So on second thought

Bring on the naked cream covered concubine waitresses. I wish to be chemically altered then dine at the finest all you can eat southern deep fried/multiethnic /sushi/chocolate theamed desert bar buffet while watching porn on a 64" plasma screen while sitting in a Jello filled egg shaped chair of the future. All while getting a manicure, massage, and BJ

[wendybeth]

Ah, but the pursuit of Hedons can arguably be described as the primary motivation for our existence. I suppose excessive Hedon seeking can lead to decadence, so perhaps Aristotle was right, even if he was Greek.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Tramspotter

Just that hedonism has no historical successes as a basis for society that I can think of.

Couldn't one easily say the same for puritanism? Hedonistic societies like Greece and the later days of Rome lasted a long time before finally falling. Plus, they started out disciplined and fell into hedonism. The Brits kept a stiff upper lip but eventually shrank back into thier territory just like the Romans. They attained the same success level as Rome, yes?

I'd say at least part of America is following the same course. In order to be the world power, a country must have a pretty badass work ethic. Eventually, the society tires of this pace and allows themselves to have fun. All the signs are pointing to China to be the next world mover and shaker, due to their unflappable work ethic.

The question then becomes, is this a bad thing? Should we dedicate ourselves to work or play? Are we ok with not being the puritans we used to be?

From my point of view, fvck it. Let someone else lead the world, as long as they don't interfere with our deal. Let's grab a bottle of wine and find an orgy to attend. Save a seat for me at that buffet, Tramspotter, all this primal gratification makes me hungry.

[€uroMeinke]

Friends, analytic hedonism is a science, not a system of government. Blaming it for the demise of greek culture is like blaming the greek's obsession with Geometry? Perhaps their ancient cultures would still be here to daqy if they stoped trying to calculate pi and construct golden rectangles?

[blueerica]

I like the concept of a pi.

I also like the concepts of pie.