Brian Rosenthal's Weblog

(From a conversation with Zvi)

A core distinction in philosophical directions throughout the ages has been the embracing of asceticism.

You can see it in the Catholic Church when celibacy is promoted for the most religious positions.

You can see it in India with Ghandi.

You can see it in many Eastern philosophies.

Maimonides in his writings discussed this a bit. In Zvi’s words, he said that some people stuff themselves too much. Some people starve themselves too much. Both are distractions from what is really important.

There is nothing wrong with asceticism. It’s a good way for someone who “stuffs themselves too much” to get a better balance in their life.

Likewise, someone who does not have what they need could benefit from enjoying life more.

The thing is, neither hedonism and asceticism are ends in themselves, but distractions, and to have a valued perspective on life, you need to recognize when you’re over-stuffing yourself in hedonistic pleasures, or when you’re starving yourself, and correct accordingly, for any particular need.