Pleasure vs happiness
The former is about taking, whereas the latter is all about giving. One is short-lived and the other is long-lived.
How many of us prioritise happiness over pleasure? When does the pleasure become indulgence? That last bag of Cheetos, one more episode on Netflix past midnight… Are those really helping us?
Please don’t confuse self-care with pleasure. Self-care is a necessity whereas pleasure is completely optional.
The things which build up over a long term which don’t give instant joy mostly are related to happiness. For example, exercise and building skills can all bring happiness in the long run.
Is pleasure evil? No. It’s the imbalance which creates a real problem.
Which one do we long for? Which one should we prioritise? How do we balance? The real battle is within.
For more reflections like this, see Thoughts.