Short-term versus long-term pleasures
In this article we explore the difference between short-term and long-term pleasures, consider their relation to lower and higher pleasures, and argue that long-term pleasure is the only means to lasting happiness.
Short-term pleasures
We define a short-term pleasure to be any form of pleasure that is experienced for only a short period of time. Examples of such pleasure include eating delicious food, having sex, drinking alcohol, or any other activity that temporarily triggers the release of dopamine in the brain.
Note that while continuously indulging in short-term pleasures could theoretically cause someone to experience pleasure for an extended period of time, the nature of such pleasures is that they individually last for only a short period of time and therefore require continuous stimulation.
Long-term pleasures
We define a long-term pleasure to be any form of pleasure that is experienced continuously throughout a person’s life. Examples of such pleasure include academic success, professional achievement, and any form of accomplishment that grows with continued investment.
Note that long-term pleasures generally require long-term investments. Examples of such investments include investing in your education, career, social skills, physical health, mental health, and relationships.
Higher and lower pleasures
In 1863 John Stuart Mill published his famous and highly-critiqued defense of Utilitarianism in which he argued that there are two different kinds of pleasures in life: what he called higher pleasures and lower pleasures. Mill considered physical forms of pleasure to be lower pleasures, and intellectual forms of pleasure to be higher pleasures. He considered higher pleasures to be intrinsically superior, and wanted a way to qualitatively differentiate between forms of pleasure. Although his argument in support of utilitarianism is highly controversial, his attempt to differentiate between forms of pleasure can certainly be accepted separately from his philosophical beliefs.
There are many similarities between the pleasures described by Mill and those described in this article, although the two definitions are certainly distinct. While short-term pleasures and some lower pleasures entice us with their promises of instant gratification, there are certainly forms of happiness that can only be achieved through long-term pleasures and higher pleasures.
Despite the endless complexity of life there is one pattern that emerges in the lives of nearly all humans: we all want to be happy. In our pursuit of happiness we often indulge in short-term pleasures, especially when the long-term pleasures seem out of reach. Although there is nothing wrong with this, it can distract us from a much more important goal: lasting happiness. We all have a finite amount of time in this world, and by indulging in short-term pleasures we use up valuable time that could have otherwise been spent working to attain long-term pleasures.
Equilibrium happiness
In my experience, an excessive desire to indulge in short-term pleasures usually stems from a general lack of happiness. Activities like smoking cigarettes, eating candy, having sex, and spending money on things you don’t need often provide instant gratification. Once the pleasure of these experiences fades, an unhappy person will return right back to their initial state of unhappiness. The issue here is that short-term pleasures always leave you wanting more. I have been stuck in this miserable cycle many times, and have found only one way out: what I call equilibrium happiness.
Equilibrium happiness is achieved when we are happy at equilibrium — with little to no dependence on external factors for happiness.
To avoid alternating back and forth between a state of no happiness and a state of temporary happiness, one must be capable of happiness without external stimuli. Equilibrium happiness is achieved when you can be happy doing anything, anywhere, with anyone. It comes from within you — not from other people or things. Put simply, equilibrium happiness comes from long-term pleasures. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with short-term pleasures — only that such pleasures are not a means to lasting happiness. The ability to plan and coordinate pleasurable experiences is a very important part of human life and would be nearly impossible without such pleasures. It is extremely important that we find ways to enjoy life, and short-term pleasures are an important part of how we do that.
Don’t keep waiting for tomorrow
If you’re struggling to find lasting happiness, try working toward long-term investments. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t let the daunting nature of the task overwhelm you. You are the only one that knows what you want out of life; identify what that is and work to make it a reality.
