Final thoughts on hedonism.

The past week and a half me and Philip and his wife Ina have been discussing hedonism. I have always been a proud hedonist. I don’t think most people understand the philosophy and consider hedonists with disdain. Those of us who take on hedonism as a philosophical choice are not simple lushes and reprobates.

For me, life is about the experience. Look around the Universe and most of what we see is either frigid cold and barren or hotter than hot and barren. We have yet to find anything anywhere near as nice as our homeworld.

When I first went into the Air Force in 1970 I was handed a pocket New Testament by a very pretty young woman. That started my spiritual journey. I first dismissed Christianity during my reading of their text. There was nothing there to honor the sacred feminine. I found nothing in the Bible that spoke to my soul. I searched Eastern philosophy for several years after that and while I learned much in that journey I came to the conclusion that Buddhism did not meet my needs as a spiritual guide. I just can’t hang with the notion that, “Life is suffering”.

So, I’ve come up with my own spirituality which is a mix of paganism, hedonism and atheism. 

I don’t believe in a sky god whom I will have to answer to in some after life. Actually I don’t believe in an afterlife. If there is one I’ll deal with that when the time comes. Until then I try to live my life by my moral code.

Being that I claim hedonism as my guide don’t assume I have a lax moral code. I would venture it is more strict than most, if not all Christians I know.

I believe all things are sacred. I try to treat all things thus. Our world is a small, fragile speck in space. We, as humans need to protect every single piece of it as if it is unreplaceable (which it is). 

I am a strong believer in fidelity and honesty. I love hard work and feel a responsibility to my community(s) to contribute.

As far as the meaning of life, simple: perpetuation of the species.

I am doing my part by not reproducing. I see the biggest problem facing our world now is the human population. We need to dramatically shrink our numbers to a sustainable number. In that way we may last long enough to find a second home for humanity.

Finally I believe in experiencing what life has to offer. I occasionally get angry and depressed but I have a hard time understanding depression on a long term basis (unless it is a medical issue). I’ve known many people who just saw so little joy in life that they wore their depression like a crown. I don’t get it. Look at the amazing diversity and beauty found on this world. How can you be depressed when you are surrounded by such beauty?

I’m not saying we don’t have work to do but be cheerful while helping our community move forward. Then when you need rest open a nice bottle of wine, light up a pipe and reflect with friends and family.

Have a great weekend. I and Philip will be back on Monday.

Earth Year 2013

Never mix red wine with Oodo.