Single Idea 1842

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / b. Types of pleasure]

Full Idea

If every pleasure lasted long, and affected the whole body, then there would be no difference between one pleasure and another

Gist of Idea

Pleasures only differ in their duration and the part of the body affected

Source

Epicurus (fragments/reports [c.289 BCE]), quoted by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 10.31.08

Book Reference

Diogenes Laertius: 'Diogenes Laertius', ed/tr. Yonge,C.D. [Henry G. Bohn 1853], p.475


A Reaction

This seems to miss out on intensity, which is of great importance to most pleasure seekers. Also it is a pleasure to be alive, which is lifelong, but we barely notice it.