A Philosophy Whose Meaning Got Twisted: "Pleasure Is Good"

The Pain That Follows Momentary Pleasure

Epicurus's warning and the side effects of short-lived fun
When people hear "pleasure," they think of alcohol, cigarettes and sex first, right? That's why everyone mistakes Epicurus for a hedonist. But it was actually the opposite. He warned that such pleasures feel good for a moment, but are followed by pain like obsession, depression and loneliness. Research says the same: people hooked on sexual pleasure see their relationships break, and when alcohol and smoking pile on, their health and money collapse too. The true pleasure Epicurus talked about was calm without pain, moderation and simple contentment.

The Prodigal Son's Ending

The miserable reality at the end of reckless living
And remember the prodigal son in the Bible? He blew his whole inheritance on wild living and nearly ended up eating pig feed. That's the real end of momentary pleasure.