Single Idea 381

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / d. Sources of pleasure]

Full Idea

When harmony is being restored, and the natural state of harmony is approached, then pleasure arises.

Gist of Idea

We feel pleasure when we approach our natural state of harmony

Source

Plato (Philebus [c.354 BCE], 31d)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Philebus', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [Penguin 1982], p.86


A Reaction

The supreme value of harmony was important to Plato, but most of us are less convinced, I suspect. The way to achieve harmony is to avoid anything stressful.