no regrets

July 15, 2005

A recently published study shows that self-indulgence is easier for humans to handle than abstinance.
 

choosing work over play leads to regrets about having missed out on the pleasures of life. Over time, these regrets intensify, while guilt about indulging tends to fade.
eurekalert

So what does this say about protestant work ethic and other christian values and western society? It seems to me that this a deeply ingrained human trait which ultimately teaches us to get on with it and just have fun instead of holding out infinitely until “we can afford it” or “everything else is finally done” or we”re sure this is the “right” thing.  Or is it a psychological survival technique for living with ourselves despite our stupidity, weaknesses, and foibles, while at the same time encouraging us to go out and make sure that for some part of our lives we will actually enjoy ourselves.

I believe Denis Leary put this well when he says that

Happiness comes in small doses folks. It”s a cigarette, or a chocolate cookie, or a five second orgasm

 
I’m not advocating pure hedonism and definitely NOT smoking but this is something to consider the next time you find yourself at some decision point.

Carpe Diem’);