What is hedonism? What is a hedonist?

Answer

Hedonism is a life philosophy that advocates the pursuit of various pleasures. Hedonists seek a lifestyle of self-gratification.

The term “hedonism” originates from the ancient Greek word for “pleasure.” Our understanding of hedonistic philosophy is mainly influenced by the ancient Greeks. Aristippus of Cyrene, a disciple of Socrates, is credited as the first proponent of this philosophy. Aristippus believed that the ultimate purpose of life is pleasure and, therefore, pleasure should be humanity’s primary pursuit.

Aristippus’s ideas might not have gained as much traction if not for his more renowned student, Epicurus, who also embraced hedonism. Epicurus posited that there is no afterlife, so one must seek pleasure as the ultimate goal, while acknowledging that occasional restraint could lead to greater pleasure in the future. The Epicurean school of thought thrived, and Epicureans engaged in debates with the apostle Paul in Athens “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”, (Acts 17:18).

Hedonism experienced a resurgence in the 18th century through philosophers like Jeremy Bentham. As it gained popularity, it evolved into a more intricate psychological and ethical theory, while maintaining the core principle that one should strive for the highest pleasure.

The hedonistic perspective is not endorsed by Scripture. In the book of Ecclesiastes, the author explores the futility of pursuing pleasure: “I said to myself, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.’ . . . I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure” “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with pleasure to find out what is good: but behold, this also is vanity.”, (Ecclesiastes 2:1).

Mirth, therefore, enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1,10) “And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1,10). But in the end, the verdict was that “everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus says this: “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature” “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” (Luke 8:14).

Biblically, chasing pleasure chokes out the Word and is ultimately unfulfilling and meaningless. See also Proverbs 21:17, 1 John 2:15–17, 2 Timothy 2:22, and Titus 3:3. Pleasure is not meant to be man’s chief end.

Scripture states that man will find his ultimate fulfillment in the Lord, and that the purpose of humanity is to glorify God (Ecclesiastes 12:13;1 Corinthians 10:31;Isaiah 43:21;Micah 6:8). As the Westminster Shorter Catechism of 1647 summarizes, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”

In the pursuit of the Lord, the believer will find true pleasure. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The presence of the Lord brings true joy.

In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul explains, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

We are not to pursue pleasure like a hedonist, but when we pursue the Lord, we will find the greatest pleasure there. Jesus set before us the right priority: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” «But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. », (Matthew 6:33).