Happiness VS Pleasure

The other day I was driving to Irvine CA and I was listening to Dennis Prager, someone whom I have listened to, enjoyed and respected for many years. He had a caller who was a recovering hedonist. The caller spoke about him learning the difference between happiness and pleasure, and that chasing pleasure was a long and destructive path to take. Always needing more to get the same level of pleasure.

This struck a chord in that I am pleasure driven but also I think I understand what makes me happy. Another radio personality who brought home to me what happiness is about, Dr. David Viscott said that. “to  be happy we must discover our gift and give it a way freely”

This is what I try to do in my life and it brings me happiness. I am lucky in that I get pleasure from healthy pursuits in most cases. I do not do drugs, gamble, or get drunk. I get excitement from telling jokes, which sometimes people get, from hitting tennis and golf balls and from showing off my art. These all supply adrenalin rushes.

I get my happiness by using my analysis skills, my developed ability to read minds and my age to help people  by asking the right questions. I also use my technical, business and social skills to help others.

What I get in return is the greatest gift possible, the fact that they often look to me when they have a problem and that makes me feel worthwhile. That in essence what Dr. Viscott was getting at.

So what is the point of this post. The point is to raise the awareness of the difference between pleasure and happiness and to have you all ask yourself what are you seeking and does that affect whether you are finding happiness or are you spiraling downward seeking pleasure at the cost of your self worth.

I have attached a host of Google posts I gathered on this subject.

1. Happiness vs. Pleasure | Be Better Everyday

   bebettereveryday.com/happiness–vs–pleasure/

   Jul 27, 2011 – Many think pleasure equals happiness. Learn the difference between the two.

2. The Search for Wisdom: Happiness vs. Pleasure

   thesearchforwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/…/happiness–vs–pleasure.ht…

   Dec 9, 2007 – Did our forefathers discuss the subtle distinction between happiness and pleasure? The primary difference between the two attributes is that …

3. What is Happiness?

   www.selfcreation.com/happiness/what_is_happiness.htm

   Happiness and unhappiness are opposite sides of a judgement about your situation. If you judge … Happiness is not pleasure although they can appear similar.

4. Happiness Versus Pleasure

   www.emaxhealth.com › Mental Health › Happiness

   by Armen Hareyan – in 86 Google+ circles – More by Armen Hareyan Oct 3, 2004 – We are a pleasure seeking society. Most of us spend our energy seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. We hope that by doing this, we will feel …

5. The World of Tranna Wintour: Pleasure vs. Happiness

   trannawintour.blogspot.com/2012/03/pleasure–vs–happiness.html

   Mar 18, 2012 – During a conversation with my sister yesterday, I came to a realization: our society has completely confused pleasure and happiness. This is …

6. Happiness: Mega millions, pleasure and gratification | Washington …

   communities.washingtontimes.com/…and…/happiness-megamillions-…

   Apr 1, 2012 – Will mega millions winners be happy? People make happier choices when they understand the difference between pleasure and gratification.

7. Explore What’s Next: Happiness Vs. Pleasure

   draletta.typepad.com/explorewhatsnext/…/happiness–vs–pleasure.html

   Today Explore What’s Next introduces new contributing writer, Dylan Broggio, LCSW! Dylan is a clinical social worker who loves working with adolescents and …

8. A Happiness Tip From Aristotle | Psychology Today

   www.psychologytoday.com/blog/…/happiness-tip-aristotle

   by karen salmansohn – in 136 Google+ circles – More by karen salmansohn A Happiness Tip From Aristotle. Do you know the difference between pleasure vs. happiness? Published on February 7, 2010 by Karen Salmansohn in …

9. Happiness vs Pleasure

   www.sq-wellness.com/blog/2012/01/happiness–vs–pleasure/

   Jan 21, 2012 – Every now and then I have to have a lesson in the difference between happiness and pleasure. For those who are not aware of the difference, …

10. Happiness: Happiness Versus Pleasure

    www.innerbonding.com › … › Happiness, Healing, Self-Esteem

    Dec 31, 2006 – We are a pleasure seeking society, yet this is not leading to happiness. Discover the secret to achieving the deep and abiding happiness that …