Ice-cream, Netflix, Pleasure, and Addiction

We all want to be happy, right? The ultimate goal of human existence is to seek pleasure, or so we're told. But what if I tell you, our relentless pursuit of happiness is actually making us unhappy?

That's sounds a bit metaphysical. Let's consider the example below.

Everyone loves ice-cream. Few experience could beat having a Häagen-Dazs (best if it's in rum raisin favor) while watching your favourite show on Netflix on a Friday evening (even better with your favourite drink).

You enjoy your ice-cream. You feel satisfied, until the cups are emptied. If you are like me, you don't want to stop with one scoop. You get more. Then, you feel unsatisfied and empty when it's finished, and it repeats. You finally have enough. Then, you feel awful and ask yourself why did that happen.

This does not only apply to ice-cream.  Remember the night you hang out with your buddies and had a dozen of beers? Or the night you binge watch the entire Netflix show? Or the time you scrolled Instagram for a good two hours?  

It is no secret that human brain seek pleasure.

The CEOs of ice-cream, beer, tabacco, and entertainment companies just know this too well. They are experts in stimulating the exact area of your brain which screams "This is sooooo good and I want more!".

We should constantly remind ourselves that pleasure does not equal to happiness, and definitely not a good life.

True, an entire bucket of Häagen-Dazs would make you feel amazing at that moment. Yet, it would make you obese, and let alone the harm of sugar caused to your body.

Netflix gives you an escape to the boredom. But what value and insight would you get after an entire night of watching Stranger Things (as great a show as it is)?

A glass of Hibinki whiskey helps you relax. Three glasses would give you a hungover, and five glasses - an entire weekend is gone.  

When you realise that no amount of pleasure provides you with satisfaction and you are always looking for more pleasure, there is a term for that. Yes - that's addiction. And yes, you could be addicted to sugar, Netflix, social media, just like drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

What should we do then to live a reasonably happy and good life? I boldly suggest: -

(1) Cut off your addiction, whatever that is

(2) Face your pain, responsibility, and boredom

(3) Immerse yourself into the real world, no matter how awful that is at the moment.

Let's talk more about that in the next article. Meanwhile, comment below and let me know what's your major pursuit of pleasure is and your initial thought on the three suggestions above.

(p.s. From time to time, a scoop of ice-cream or a glass of whiskey will be fine. Don't be too harsh on yourself!)