Be satisfied
The Pursuit of Constant Pleasure. I know. You're all going to accuse me of being an Epicurean (and thus misunderstanding Epicurus) or a hedonist (and simply misunderstanding me). Today's ethical issue brings us back to the Greek proverb I mentioned a couple of days ago – μηδὲν ἄγαν "nothing in excess". In other words, the happiest state is one where we're satisfied. Wanting more makes us unhappy, although this seems to condemn people who don't have enough to say stupid things such as "At least we have each other". Similarly, an excess of pleasure is merely a temporary state which, again, leaves us wanting more. Am I generally satisfied? Does the Pope shit in the woods? Or bears? (I'm not sure which is the right answer.) I'm more satisfied than I was a few years ago, but still less satisfied than I might be. My expectations of life are still a long way from being fulfilled. But I'm used to being in a situation where my desires are never go...