rational hedonism

     Rational Hedonism is a non-theistic religion tracing its roots to the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epicurus over 2330 years ago.  

     Epicurus taught that, like other animals, we naturally seek pleasurable things and avoid painful, confrontational, and uncomfortable situations.  

     Rational Hedonism believes that to start living a happier life, you must free yourself from the superstitious fears and false beliefs that hold you back. Ultimately, you define your values and desires to guide the best decisions toward that path to happiness. This stops the distraction and dissatisfaction of comparison, envy, or striving to emulate other people's lives. Knowing what matters to you frees you to appreciate others' talents and achievements without envy or judgment.  

     Rational Hedonism continues the methods of meaningful communication techniques similar to Epicurean "therapy" to overcome the painful outcomes of irrational beliefs, self-doubt, and anxiety and instead focus on your aspirations. 

     Humans are social beings; good communication skills empower you to advocate for yourself persuasively and express yourself clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Determining your values is important to having a clear point of view; otherwise, your opinions can shift like sand in the winds of emotional media, political and academic personalities, conflicting ideologies, or peer pressure.

     When you know yourself, instead of rejecting different viewpoints outright, you can listen or read with curiosity, without defensiveness or anger, look for common ground, and explain your disagreements thoughtfully. Growth comes from being exposed to different discoveries and information. This mental flexibility helps prevent you from becoming trapped in fixed narratives that discourage independent thought.

     This discipline raises Rational Hedonists above those who fall for the temptations of personal insults (ad hominem), censoring or shouting down opposing views. 

      If your first instinct is to reject the ideas of Epicurus or Rational Hedonism--or any idea--pause and ask yourself: Why?

     Where do your own beliefs and biases come from? Can you trust their sources, knowing that systems within education, politics and religion were historically shaped by Plato and Aristotle, then later adapted to serve government control and power?

     Those who modernized Plato's divisive tactics--such as fueling racial and religious tensions, eroding critical thinking and weakening essential skills (grammar, math, science, writing), dumbing down education, manipulating language, enforcing censorship and creating government dependency--undermine the building blocks of a free, informed and empowered society.  That system doesn't benefit any of our schools, families, neighborhoods, or workplaces where we spend much of our lives. 

     Who actually benefits when news and social media outlets abandon objectivity about the ideologies, government programs or elected officials and craft narratives supporting one side, causing distrust, anxiety, fear, outrage and division? Who benefits from creating barriers to separate communities from working together to come up with their own solutions?

     By reinforcing biases that herd people into tribalism and isolation, these tactics subtly con people to surrender more and more personal rights, freedoms and self-determination--allowing government overreach in the name of safety, social programs and security.  

     The freedom to have open, respectful discussions—or even lighthearted debates—helps us build understanding, critical thinking, and real connections.to engage in thoughtful discussions or even spar in debates conducted with respect and a sense of humor--fosters understanding, critical thinking, and meaningful connections--all which help you define your happiness and go for it.

     Happiness isn't some unobtainable or distant goal we reach once we have all the things, it doesn't come from the adoration or approval of others. We can cultivate pleasure now if we first focus on what truly matters—letting go of false beliefs and anxious thoughts, and replacing them with a sense of self-determination, personal integrity, communication skills, and choosing meaningful relationships.