Philip the Bard's Harappan Blog: Phil's defense of Harappan Hedonism

Greetings intrepid readers. My last post mentioned the notion that Harappans and Earthers don’t always get along. Hmmm. Did I ruffle some feathers?

Yes, there has always been friction between the two peoples. This started even before Harvest Day, when the Earther’s wrecked our homeworld.

When they first arrived on Harappa almost ninety years ago (has it been that long?) their first impression of us was not good. You have to remember that the Pax Veridis was still going on and the Greenies controlled most of Earth. The Greenies were never very fond of intoxicants of any kind. On the other hand we Harappans loved to party. Most of us still do. So from the very beginning the two worlds were at odds.

The Founder, Marcus Johnson, was a drinker himself. He didn’t smoke that we know of but he tolerated smokers, that we do know.

Harappan philosophy has always been about the miraculous nature of life in the Universe. We exist in a mostly cold and lifeless space. A Harappan knows and understands the fleeting nature of life. We feel it is our responsibility to experience as much of life as we can. If intoxicants help with that, then so be it.

The dictionary definition of hedonism:

hedonism |ˈhēdnˌizəm|

noun

the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

• the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Harappans have come to embrace hedonism. I don’t know if it is something that came from the Founder or if it evolved from the myths he passed on to us.

I understand that Earthers use the term “hedonist” as a pejorative. Even now that the Greenie’s prohibitions are waning, Earthers have not embraced Harappan Hedonism. They see it as wasteful.

We Harappans see it as our obligation. At one point Earthers argued that we would be further evolved if we concentrated on more productive issues. That presupposes that the physical takes value over the intellectual, emotional or spiritual.

Does humanity really need another starship or factory? Sure we could increase production by spending less time socializing and partying, but then would we know less about ourselves, our friends, our family, human nature?

I am not saying Harappans aren’t hard workers. We strongly believe the individual has an obligation to contribute to society. Some contribute by building houses, some contribute by making art or music, some contribute by sittin’ and thinkin’, and some contribute by spreading joy, happiness and fun.

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479