What is Pleasure & Joy ?

What is the difference between pleasure and joy, and they are often mistakenly used interchangeably. Understand that joy is a state of mind, attained only by the wise, as it is an elation of spirit that never ceases and never changes into its opposite. Pleasure, on the other hand, is often derived from events that are not truly joyous, and is a wayward emotion that is often inspired by an opinion concerning a spurious good.

The Stoics believe that pleasure is a vice, however they use the word to indicate a happy state of mind. Joy, on the other hand, can only be attained by the wise, and it is characterized by an elation of spirit that never ceases or changes into its opposite. The common usage of joy is often inappropriate, as it refers to events that may actually lead to sorrow. One should strive for joy in things that are truly good.

The difference between pleasure and joy, and the importance of using words accurately. The importance of staying focused on one's subject matter in writing, the use of metaphors and similes in prose, and the struggle against vices and self-complacency.

Alexander, despite being praised as a god-like figure, was reminded of his mortality when he was wounded during a siege. It encourages us to avoid being fooled by flattery and to recognize our own limitations, even in terms of basic needs such as food and drink.

The wise person is joyful, happy, and calm, living on a plane with the divine.

To know if you are wise, question yourself if you are never downcast, if your mind is not harassed by any apprehension, through anticipation of what is to come, and if day and night your soul keeps on its even and unswerving course, upright and content with itself.

Joy springs only from the knowledge that you possess virtues, and the joy which comes to the divine and to those who imitate the deity is not broken off nor does it cease, however it would surely cease were it borrowed from without.

On Pleasure and Joy