Epictetus: 'If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.'

If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.

The quote by Epictetus, "If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please," holds immense wisdom and significance. At its core, the quote reminds us of the fundamental importance of moderation in finding true enjoyment in life. When our pursuit of pleasure exceeds reasonable limits, it becomes excessive and loses its appeal. This principle applies to various aspects of life, from indulging in food, drink, and material possessions to seeking validation through constant external validation. By exercising moderation, we can cultivate a healthier, more balanced approach to pleasure, ultimately leading to a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment.While the straightforward interpretation of Epictetus' quote asserts the need for moderation to derive true pleasure, let us now contemplate a philosophical concept that can add an unexpected layer of complexity to our understanding. This concept is the ancient Greek philosophy of hedonism, which places pleasure as the ultimate goal of life. In stark contrast to Epictetus' teachings, hedonism advocates for the pursuit of pleasure without constraints, claiming that any pleasure, regardless of its excessiveness, is desirable.At first glance, these two viewpoints seem irreconcilable. Epictetus warns about the loss of pleasure when one exceeds the limits of moderation, while hedonism embraces the idea of deriving pleasure to its fullest extent. However, upon closer examination, we can find common ground between the two doctrines.Epictetus encourages us to find pleasure in a restrained and balanced manner, recognizing that excessive indulgence diminishes the appeal of even the greatest pleasures. This perspective aligns with the principle of hedonic adaptation, which states that humans have a tendency to adjust to and eventually take for granted the pleasures they constantly experience. Thus, according to both Epictetus and hedonic adaptation, if we continuously overindulge in pleasure, we become desensitized, diminishing the enjoyment we once derived from it.Moreover, the concept of moderation brings us closer to the essence of true pleasure. By exercising restraint, we can savor experiences, relishing in the anticipation and prolonging the enjoyment. This aligns with the psychological phenomenon known as the peak-end rule, which suggests that our overall perception of an experience is heavily influenced by the intensity of its peak and the end. As such, by avoiding excess and ensuring moderation, we can heighten our pleasure by creating memorable peaks and endings to our experiences.Epictetus' emphasis on moderation also extends beyond the realm of pleasure. It serves as a foundation for living a virtuous and fulfilled life. Moderation allows us to cultivate self-control, discipline, and resilience by preventing us from getting carried away by our desires and impulses. In doing so, we can maintain a sense of inner balance and harmony, enabling us to make more thoughtful and intentional choices.In contrast, hedonism, in its pursuit of unchecked pleasure, can often lead to a sense of emptiness and a constant craving for more. Without moderation, pleasure becomes an insatiable hunger that can never be satisfied. Consequently, the hedonistic approach may eventually leave individuals feeling unfulfilled and trapped in an endless cycle of seeking increasingly extreme pleasures.In conclusion, Epictetus' quote is a powerful reminder of the importance of moderation in finding genuine and lasting pleasure. While hedonism may offer a tantalizing vision of uninhibited indulgence, it ultimately falls short when confronted with the reality of human experience. By embracing moderation, we can not only prolong and heighten our enjoyment of life's pleasures, but also cultivate a well-balanced and virtuous existence. So let us strive to find that delicate equilibrium between indulgence and restraint, where the greatest pleasures continue to bring us authentic joy.