My favorite word of the moment is sybaritic, which I learned from my friend Chand Sooran, who you might remember wrote the foreword to my essay collection Those Bastards. Sybaritic means fond of sensuous luxury or pleasure; self-indulgent. This started with the Boomers back in the sixties—but if you ask the average person today about their code of morality, they will probably tell you that you can do whatever the hell you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone else. That’s American ethics summed up in a single sentence.
As a lifelong libertarian, I have never heard the word “should” used by anyone sharing that philosophy when referring to a person’s sybaritic lifestyle. You’re mixing up libertarian and libertine.
Interesting article! When you spoke about the code of morality and that people will tell you that you can “do whatever the hell you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone else” I couldn’t help but think about the NJ code of morality which, I’ve been told, goes something like “do whatever the hell you want, just don’t get caught”. 😉
well as someone who has had multiple pinnacle spiritual experiences at phish shows, i'm triggered (lol, no i'm not, like i GAF...I know what I know and like what I like and am certain beyond a doubt on what they mean to me). more to the point...gave up porn a couple years ago after decades of struggle using the easypeasymethod (hoping someone reads this and it changes their life for the better). My life and relationship and connection to source has never been better. also to the point, we shouldn't legislate out the immoral. it's how we learn and why we're here, and if we're forced to repress it, it only manifests in shadow and is a worse outcome for all.
The reason why people who get so engrossed in video games or addictive substances or activities feel horrible in the future is because the participation in that activity or continuous use of that substance depletes dopamine in the system. Dopamine is like a currency for motivation and mental energy
As a lifelong libertarian, I have never heard the word “should” used by anyone sharing that philosophy when referring to a person’s sybaritic lifestyle. You’re mixing up libertarian and libertine.
Agree, I see myself as a libertarian and am a religious conservative in my own life.
"Everyday is a spiritual experience." To be present in every moment, especially with those we love.
If we could all wake up and come home to this awareness. Thank you for sharing your story and perspective.
John Meacham remarked that America in the 1880's viewed Irish Catholicism the way today we view Sharia Law. Not sure what that tells me.
Legislating morality is like legislating happiness.
Interesting article! When you spoke about the code of morality and that people will tell you that you can “do whatever the hell you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone else” I couldn’t help but think about the NJ code of morality which, I’ve been told, goes something like “do whatever the hell you want, just don’t get caught”. 😉
well as someone who has had multiple pinnacle spiritual experiences at phish shows, i'm triggered (lol, no i'm not, like i GAF...I know what I know and like what I like and am certain beyond a doubt on what they mean to me). more to the point...gave up porn a couple years ago after decades of struggle using the easypeasymethod (hoping someone reads this and it changes their life for the better). My life and relationship and connection to source has never been better. also to the point, we shouldn't legislate out the immoral. it's how we learn and why we're here, and if we're forced to repress it, it only manifests in shadow and is a worse outcome for all.
The reason why people who get so engrossed in video games or addictive substances or activities feel horrible in the future is because the participation in that activity or continuous use of that substance depletes dopamine in the system. Dopamine is like a currency for motivation and mental energy
There’s an episode of the Twilight Zone titled “ A Nice Place to Visit” that exactly mirrors this philosophy. Worth a watch!