Let's explore and reclaim pleasure

Instead of a Buddhist wheel of Samsara, my next idea for a drawing is an Epicurean wheel of Pleasure!

Coming soon, and please enjoy your anticipation

As a starting point, I looked at Bentham's list of pleasures, but greatly modified the elements. This is just one conception. Not all of these will apply to everyone (nor appeal to everyone) and this is still a work in progress. Will appreciate any feedback.

My list of pleasures is very different than Bentham's, and in case anyone is curious about Bentham's list, you can find it here:

An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation - Econlib

The First Edition of this work was printed in the year 1780; and first published in 1789. The present Edition is a careful reprint of ‘A New Edition, corrected…

www.econlib.org

For easier reading, here is my list in simple text format:

1. Pleasant sensations - sights, sounds, flavors, scents, skin sensations

2. Pleasant relief - from hunger/thirst; hot/cold; sickness/pain; fear/worry; fatigue/stress

3. Enjoyment of vigor and health - in bodily movement or exertion

4. Enjoyment of novelty - of sensation, new places, new friends, new information, new learning

5. Enjoyment of possessions and the act of acquiring the objects of necessity, well-being, security, or enjoyment

6. Enjoyment of skill, craft, or work - competence of control of tools, technology, or knowledge

7. Enjoyment of friendship - conversation, commonality, emotional intimacy and support, and mutual fun

8. Enjoyment of community - participation, acceptance, and belonging

9. Enjoyment of sports and games

10. Enjoyment of aesthetics - art, music, theater, world culture

11. Enjoyment of pleasant memories

12. Enjoyment of imagination and anticipation

13. Enjoyment of leadership and teaching

14. Enjoyment of giving - service and aid

15. Enjoyment of loving and gratitude

16. Enjoyment of relaxation - solitude, meditation, sleep

Mathitis Kipouros regarding Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I found this article which gave some interesting points, as well as a revised pyramid which replaced self-actualization with parenting

The article says regarding the original pyramid:

Quote

The needs described in Maslow's theory appear to be universal. However, research shows that the order in which these needs are met had little impact on people's satisfaction with life.

....The authors of the article suggested that while self-actualization is still significant and interesting, it is not an evolutionarily fundamental need.

Is Maslow's Famous Hierarchy of Needs Still Relevant Today?

The hierarchy of needs has a history of wide acceptance despite little supporting evidence. Does the theory hold up or is it time for an update?

www.verywellmind.com

It seems to me that Epicureanism goes beyond needs to put a value judgment on finding enjoyment in life -- we are out in the garden of the world actively looking for flowers and not for weeds. And the Tetrapharmakos says: "what is good is easy to get".