Hedonism is rooted in the notion that pleasure is the primary purpose of human existence. 

As humans, we are naturally inclined to constantly seek pleasure and enjoyment. 

When this becomes overrated, extreme and manipulated by forces with an insatiable desire for control, it becomes a subliminal and effective force for society’s destabilisation. 

Although the societal tendencies of unrestrained indulgence in pleasurable activities are seen as a personal choice, it can also easily be exploited to weaken society by slowly breaking down its structures, eroding moral values, and hindering collective progress.

Today’s life presents a myriad of challenges, which can be overwhelmingly hard to cope with at times. 

This is often where hedonism becomes appealing with its promises of instant gratification, and an easy escape from life’s difficulties. 

Hedonism is further reinforced by a consumerist culture, which puts us in a vicious cycle of constantly pursuing instant satisfaction, often at the detriment of our mental and psychological well-being. 

To make it worse, advertisements, entertainment and social media keep bombarding us with the glorification of materialism, sexual or sensory pleasure, and superficial lifestyles. 

This creates a feedback loop in which we prioritise fleeting moments of pleasure over long-term well-being, intellectual growth and communal responsibility.

Hedonism, as a tool in the wrong hands, can be used to distract people and nations from issues that truly matter. People who are primarily preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure are likely to neglect critical thinking, civic engagement and aspirations for the collective good. Looking back at history, we can take note of how dystopian and authoritarian regimes encouraged a hedonistic culture to keep the masses docile. 

This is done to keep the masses engaged and entertained with trivialities to avoid resistance and possible dissent forces. 

Inherently, when hedonism is practised with caution and moderation, it bears no danger. 

However, when it becomes a driving force of our daily pursuits, it can lead to society’s self-destruction. 

On top of that, it puts any sovereign society in a peculiar position as its ability to defend itself from threats, both internal and external, becomes compromised. 

Nations with a high prioritisation of safety and security, as well as high regard for the general well-being of their nations, often practice a culture of minimal hedonism. 

They prioritise and promote discipline and high standards of self-regulation. 

So, any nation whose desire is to withstand the test of time and have a healthy, productive and prosperous society, would not only guard against hedonism, but constantly make its people aware of the evils it presents.

*Uncommon Sense is published bi-weekly in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos

– karlsimbumusic@gmail.com