Single Idea 5705

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / e. Role of pleasure]

Full Idea

Nature only clamours for two things, a body free from pain, a mind released from worry and fear for the enjoyment of pleasurable sensation.

Gist of Idea

Nature only wants two things: freedom from pain, and pleasure

Source

Lucretius (On the Nature of the Universe [c.60 BCE], II.21)

Book Reference

Lucretius: 'On the Nature of the Universe', ed/tr. Latham,Ronald [Penguin 1951], p.60


A Reaction

I can't help agreeing with those (like Aristotle) who consider this a very demeaning view of human life. See Idea 99. Bentham agrees with Lucretius (Idea 3777). I think they are largely right, but not entirely. Other motives are possible than sensations.

Related Idea

Idea 3777 Pleasure and pain control all human desires and duties [Bentham]