Single Idea 84

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / f. Dangers of pleasure]

Full Idea

Pleasures are a hindrance to thinking, and the more enjoyable the greater the hindrance (e.g. sex).

Gist of Idea

The greater the pleasure, the greater the hindrance to thought

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1152b15)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.250


A Reaction

The intellectual's objection to excessive pleasure. He means practical thought, as well as theorising.