Rules for pleasure

Let’s assume that I need to put up a few nights in a hotel within a city, away from my home, to attend a conference. I may wish to explore the city and have a little drink. I may even feel tempted to visit the red-light district with a few friends.

During these period, I need to be mindful of my boundaries/limits. I need to know that certain activities may be pleasurable but it may hurts the feelings of my spouse.

Well, there are indeed guiding principles on experiencing pleasures in life.

F.W. Boreham described three rules for experiencing pleasures.

1) Whatever that refreshes us but does not compromise our final goal/purpose in life is a legitimate pleasure.

2) Any pleasure that jeopardize the sacred rights of another person is an illegitimate pleasure.

3) Experience pleasures in moderate amounts and do not indulge.

Rule No. 1 : 

Simple pleasures which help us to relax and gives us joy are legitimate needs. However, it should not compromise our value system or lead us away from our desired purpose in life.

So what’s the catch here? We need to discover “What is our final goal or purpose in life?”

Rule No. 2 : 

We need to experience pleasures within the boundaries of mutual respect and observing the  dignity of our loved ones as well as our fellow human beings.

Rule No. 3 : 

We need to enjoy pleasures in reasonable and moderate degree and amount to avoid  indulgence or addiction.  

Pleasures without conscience are illegitimate pleasures 

                                         Mahatma Gandhi