PLEASURE

PLEASURE
“The pursuit of pleasure does not lead to happiness. It leads to rehab”. Psychology professor Arthur Brooks.

In ancient Athens, the philosopher Epicurus said that the exercise of reason meant placing pleasure as the highest goal. This state included mental balance and the absence of pain. He warned against over-indulgence as it often led to pain. Epicurus argued that fear is the greatest obstacle to happiness. In a highly stratified and sexist society, his school admitted both women and slaves.

For centuries, poets such as Horace, Lucretius, and Virgil helped spread this message. Epicureanism vied with Stoicism for the hearts and minds of elites. Seneca and other Stoics advised that people should focus instead on virtue, self-discipline, and public works. As authority shifted to the Roman Empire, this appealed more to their conservative and expansionist views.

Let’s discuss the roles of reason, pleasure, delayed gratification, and the current interest in Stoicism.

For a modern take on pleasure, satisfaction, reward, and their neuroscience: https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/blog/deconstructing-illness/202112/happiness-vs-pleasure-the-source-our-discontent

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CUSTOMS:
You must register and be on the “Attendees - Going” list to attend.
Minimum spend of $10 at the cafe on food and/or drink. This enables us to have free use of their private room.

We meet UPSTAIRS at the Little Turkish Cafe. Please arrive early to order food and/or drink before you join us. Several people arrive early and eat downstairs before the Meetup. You are welcome to join us.
Bring $1 to cover Meetup costs.

RSVP POLICY:
RSVPs and cancellations will be accepted up until 6 hours before the start of the meetup so that people who feel unwell on the day have time to change their RSVP and allow someone else to attend.

Being registered to attend and not attending OR cancelling your attendance after 12:30pm on Tuesday will be considered a 'No Show'.

Members with two 'No Shows' will be banned from attending further D&M Meetups. This RSVP policy has become necessary due to the high number of last minute withdrawals and non-attendance. This unfairly causes people on the Waiting List to miss out. Thanks for your cooperation.