Single Idea 3563

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

Full Idea

It is not possible to live pleasantly without living intelligently and finely and justly, nor to live intelligently and finely and justly without living pleasantly.

Gist of Idea

Pleasure and virtue entail one another

Source

Epicurus (Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags) [c.290 BCE], 5), quoted by Julia Annas - The Morality of Happiness Ch.16

Book Reference

Annas,Julia: 'The Morality of Happiness' [OUP 1995], p.340


A Reaction

A person with all these virtues might still suffer from depression. And I don't see why having limited intelligence should stop someone from living pleasantly. Just be warm-hearted.