“A person who has built his life around pleasure is bound to be disillusioned. Hedonism is not sustainable, and it leaves a person empty. We are not meant to experience sustained pleasure. Therefore, to cope with the drab routine of daily existence, one must find meaning somewhere.”@TheAncientSage
In a world where instant gratification is glorified, chasing pleasure can lead to constant dissatisfaction. Instead, finding fulfillment in meaningful work, relationships, or personal growth can provide lasting contentment. For example, rather than seeking fleeting pleasure in impulse purchases, invest in a skill or hobby that brings lasting joy and fulfillment.
And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
The Stoic pillar of Temperance emphasizes self-control and moderation in all aspects of life, including our pursuit of pleasure. Through temperance, we learn to find contentment in simplicity and avoid the pitfalls of excessive indulgence. This aligns with the biblical teaching in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, where King Solomon reflects on the emptiness of chasing after pleasure and material wealth, pointing towards the importance of seeking fulfillment in meaningful endeavors.