Quintilian: 'Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.'

Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.

In the realm of human desires, the quote by Quintilian, "Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire," holds great significance. At a glance, Quintilian suggests that forbidden delights captivate our hearts more intensely than those that are freely available to us. These words remind us of the allure and enigma surrounding the forbidden, causing our desires to intensify in its presence. However, as we delve deeper into this thought-provoking quote, an unexpected philosophical concept arises: the delicate balance between desire and restraint. By exploring this concept, we can uncover the complexities of human nature and our innate tendency to yearn for what is prohibited.To comprehend the meaning of Quintilian's quote, it is crucial to dissect its essence. Human beings possess an innate curiosity that drives them to test boundaries and explore the forbidden. This tendency stems from our primal nature, which seeks novelty and excitement outside the confines of what is deemed acceptable. Quintilian's quote reminds us that forbidden pleasures, by nature, allure us because of the thrill associated with breaking societal norms or restrictions. When something is prohibited, it becomes all the more alluring, sparking a heightened desire within us. We yearn to taste the forbidden fruit and experience the rush of stepping beyond the established limits.However, Quintilian goes further to suggest that once these pleasures become lawful, they lose their power to incite desire. When something becomes an accepted part of our lives, its enchantment wanes, and our longing diminishes. This observation highlights an intriguing aspect of human psychology – the paradoxical relationship between forbidden desires and legal indulgence. It raises the question: why do we value the forbidden and remain indifferent to what is readily available?To explore this further, let us introduce the philosophical concept of hedonism. Hedonism is the belief that pleasure and the absence of pain are the ultimate goals in life. It proposes that individuals seek pleasure and avoid pain, often placing priority on immediate gratification rather than long-term contentment. This concept provides an interesting lens through which to view Quintilian's quote.When it comes to forbidden pleasures, our desires are ignited by the anticipation, the thrill, and the risk involved. The very act of pursuing something illicit evokes a sensory experience that heightens our pleasure-seeking nature. The veil of illegality adds a layer of excitement, rendering the forbidden pleasure more enticing than a lawful one. This aligns with the core principles of hedonism, as the pursuit of pleasure is intertwined with the idea of indulging in what is forbidden.In contrast, lawful pleasures lack the inherent allure of the forbidden. Once a pleasure becomes readily accessible and socially acceptable, the thrill of transgression dissipates, taking away the excitement that once fueled our desires. These lawful joys become part of our routine, merging into the background of our lives, and no longer possess the ability to captivate us. The absence of risk and novelty diminishes their power to arouse desire, giving rise to the truth expressed by Quintilian.Considering Quintilian's quote in conjunction with the concept of hedonism presents a nuanced exploration of human nature. It illuminates the delicate balance between desire and restraint, shedding light on our complex relationship with pleasure. We are enticed by the forbidden precisely because it challenges societal norms and provides a temporary escape from the mundane. When something is deemed taboo, its appeal intensifies, fueling our desire. However, as this forbidden pleasure morphs into the lawful, its allure subsides, and our longing diminishes.Quintilian's quote encourages introspection and invites us to reflect on the intricacies of our desires. It serves as a reminder that human beings are complex beings, characterized by a paradoxical nature that finds appeal in the forbidden while remaining indifferent to what is readily available. By understanding this inherent tendency, we can navigate our desires and find fulfillment in the delicate balance between indulgence and restraint.