Higher Pleasures

John Stuart Mills' concept of Higher Pleasures was something I was introduced to my freshman year of college and for some reason it really stuck with me. I don't know if it's because I'm very mature for my age or often see things through a different set of eyes than most of my peers, either way, it made an impact and it's something I'd like everyone to think about.

"It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question. The other party to the comparison knows both sides."

This quote says a lot to me. Above all, it speaks to the character of man. It emphasizes the importance of being knowledgeable about life, directly influencing your individual growth as a person. Some trials and tribulations are necessary to obtain higher pleasure. Getting to that point isn't always fun and it isn't always easy. Versus someone who never sets the bar high who is just reaping momentary pleasures. Yes, the latter is more gratifying presently, but it is the dissatisfied man who once satisfied can look back on his life knowing that times of unhappiness were essential to his higher pleasure, a happiness which the latter never reaches.

It is important that we not only take happiness away from momentary pleasures but work hard to gain the long term ones. Any person on this Earth could go out right now get drunk, have sex, do drugs, and feel instant gratification, but not every person in this world can say they've been proud of themselves, reached a goal, got an education, walked down the isle of a beautiful church toward someone they want to spend the rest of their lives with, or know the undying love that comes with having children. There comes a time when instant gratification can only provide so much happiness. Where as love, believing in yourself, and educating your mind knows no bounds. Can you say you are making decisions to lead the best life possible? A life full of endless gratification?

John Stuart Mills described Higher Pleasures as those pleasure that aren't measured by quantity but by quality. I'm not saying it's not ok to have both in your life but as the years tick by and as you grow old, I hope you can look back on your life and realize that you obtained higher pleasures-the things that make being a human worthwhile. If man only took pleasure in animalistic gratification then things like love and pride would not exist.

Intrinsic motivation is key to any respectable individual. Push yourself to be better, push yourself to want the 'better'.