Hedonists are individuals who follow or espouse the philosophy of hedonism, which is the belief in the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment as the highest forms of value and the ultimate goal in life. Derived from the Greek word "hedone," meaning pleasure, hedonism emphasizes maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain or discomfort.
As followers of hedonism, hedonists prioritize personal satisfaction and happiness above all else. They seek immediate and gratifying experiences and tend to prioritize self-indulgence and the fulfillment of their desires. Pleasure for hedonists can include various aspects of life, such as physical sensations, intellectual pursuits, emotional well-being, and even spiritual experiences.
Hedonists hold the belief that pleasure is the ultimate measure of the goodness of an action or a life, and thus, they strive to maximize their own personal pleasure in their choices and behaviors. They often engage in activities and pleasures that bring them enjoyment, whether it is through seeking sensual pleasures, achieving personal success, or pursuing their passions and interests.
However, it is important to note that hedonism can have different interpretations and levels of intensity, and not all hedonists pursue pleasure to the extent of excess or at the expense of others. Variations exist within hedonism, ranging from ethical hedonism, which considers maximizing pleasure without harm to others, to more extreme forms such as egoistic hedonism, where personal pleasure is the sole focus, regardless of its impact on others.
