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Single Idea 1664

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

Full Idea

I would rather go mad than experience pleasure.

Gist of Idea

I would rather go mad than experience pleasure

Source

Antisthenes (Ath) (fragments/reports [c.405 BCE]), quoted by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 06.3

Book Ref

Vlastos,Gregory: 'Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher' [CUP 1992], p.208


A Reaction

Did he actually prefer pain? If both experiences would drive him mad, it seems like a desire for death. I cannot understand why anyone is opposed to harmless pleasures.


The 5 ideas from 'fragments/reports'

Contradiction is impossible [Antisthenes (I), by Aristotle]
Some fools think you cannot define anything, but only say what it is like [Antisthenes (I), by Aristotle]
I would rather go mad than experience pleasure [Antisthenes (I)]
Antisthenes says there is only one god, which is nature [Antisthenes (I), by Cicero]
Antisthenes said virtue is teachable and permanent, is life's goal, and is like universal wealth [Antisthenes (I), by Long]