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The term hedonism is common in everyday speech. Many people misinterpret it as excessive indulgence that should be avoided. Critics argue that hedonism encourages unhealthy habits and can cause long-term harm.
So, what do we mean by hedonism, exactly? Read the full review in the article below.
What Is Hedonism?
Hedonism comes from the Greek hēdonē, meaning “pleasure.” In philosophy, it is a family of views holding that pleasure (or pleasurable experience) is the fundamental intrinsic good and pain the intrinsic bad. Ethical hedonism claims that what is morally best is what promotes overall pleasure or well-being; prudential hedonism holds that an individual’s well-being consists in pleasurable experiences; psychological hedonism is the (controversial) thesis that people are motivated primarily by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Classical sources range from the Cyrenaics (favoring intense, immediate pleasures) to Epicurus, who argued that the most reliable route to a pleasurable life is moderation, friendship, and freedom from disturbance, not excess. Contemporary discussions distinguish “pleasure” from broader notions of happiness or flourishing and often evaluate hedonism alongside alternative theories of value and well-being.
In everyday usage, “hedonism” can also refer to a lifestyle focused on personal enjoyment—sometimes stereotyped as indulgence in consumption, entertainment, or luxury. This popular sense does not necessarily follow from philosophical hedonism and can be misleading: many hedonist philosophies emphasize prudent choice, long-term consequences, and consideration of others, since unmanaged excess often leads to more pain than pleasure. Overall, hedonism centrally concerns the role of pleasure in a good life, but it need not imply disregard for one’s health, relationships, environment, or society.
Definition of Hedonism According to Experts
Drawing on multiple sources, scholars define hedonism from a broad range of perspectives.
Hedonism According to KBBI
According to the Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), hedonism is the doctrine that regards pleasure and material enjoyment as the primary goal of life.
Collin Gem (1993)
Gem defines hedonism as the doctrine that pleasure is the highest good. There is no single scientific or philosophical consensus that pleasure is the purpose of life; contemporary views hold that humans pursue multiple values—such as meaning, relationships, autonomy, contribution, and well-being—and that “purpose” is individually constructed rather than biologically assigned.
Burhanuddin in Antonius Sepriadi (2010:12)
Hedonism—specifically ethical hedonism—holds that pleasure is the fundamental intrinsic good, and actions are good insofar as they increase overall pleasure (and reduce pain).
Benthem in Faqih (2004)
Hedonism is the view that pleasure—together with the avoidance of pain—is the highest intrinsic good and the proper end of human action.
Characteristics of People Who Have Hedonism
Hedonism is the ethical view that pleasure and the avoidance of pain are the highest intrinsic goods and the proper aims of action. It does not imply that pursuing pleasure will make everyone happy, only that pleasure is the standard for judging what is good. People with a hedonistic outlook tend to prioritize enjoyable experiences, weigh choices by expected pleasure versus pain, and may favor either long-term, balanced well-being (Epicurean) or short-term gratification.
Make happiness the main goal
Hedonism holds that pleasure and the avoidance of pain are the primary goods and proper aims of action. It does not require being perpetually unsatisfied or fleeing all discomfort; many hedonists emphasize moderation and long-term well-being, while others pursue short-term gratification. Hedonists typically judge actions by their effects on happiness and suffering, often treating personal happiness as a central aim.
Consumptive
Hedonism prioritizes immediate pleasure, which can encourage heavy consumption and short-term choices. When wants override needs and priorities are unclear, saving and investing are often neglected. Hedonistic lifestyles are frequently linked to materialism, where goods and experiences are treated as main sources of happiness. This mindset can foster ongoing dissatisfaction and a continual drive to seek more through consumption.
Picky friends
A hedonistic lifestyle can lead someone to sort their social circle by perceived benefits. They may favor friends who share their views and add value to their pursuits. They often avoid people who cannot support their lifestyle materially, as well as those—wealthy or not—who do not enjoy the same kinds of leisure and fun.
Want everything that is completely luxurious
People with hedonistic lifestyles often seek luxury and constant stimulation. Broadly, they fall into two groups:
- Those who can afford high spending without straining their finances.
- Those who stretch their means to match a preferred lifestyle.
The second group is more likely to take risky steps—such as relying on debt or pawning assets—to fund nonessential consumption.
Tend to be anti-social
Beyond being selective about like‑minded friends, some people who prioritize pleasure may be seen as less socially engaged. They can come across as self‑focused and less responsive to others’ needs. However, this varies by person, and not everyone with hedonistic preferences shows antisocial traits.
Causes of People Having Hedonism
Hedonistic behavior can arise from many influences, including internal and external factors. The sections below explain each in detail.
Internal Factors (From Within Yourself)
Internal factors can drive hedonistic behavior, including attitudes, personality, motives, perceptions, past experiences, and learned observations (Susanto in Nugroho J. Setiadi, 2003).
Many people equate happiness and quality of life with meeting every desire. As a result, they pursue a self‑defined standard of living, sometimes at any cost.
Parenting and Family Roles
Parenting and family roles influence hedonistic tendencies. People raised in affluent, highly indulgent households are more likely to adopt a hedonistic lifestyle.
Environmental Influence
Social pressure can nudge people toward hedonistic lifestyles. When indulgence is normalized or glamorized—online or offline—some feel compelled to conform to perceived expectations.
Impact Of Hedonism
A shift toward a hedonistic lifestyle can bring several downsides. Common effects include financial strain, reduced long‑term planning, weaker self-control, and increased stress when gratification isn’t met.
Financial Problems
Excessive consumption in hedonistic lifestyles often leads to overspending, mounting debt, and financial stress.
Social Issues
Hedonistic habits—such as overeating, heavy drinking, and other unhealthy behaviors—can lower quality of life and harm physical and mental health.
Environmental Issues
Overconsumption and resource‑intensive lifestyles accelerate environmental degradation by increasing emissions, waste, and habitat loss.
Examples of Hedonism Lifestyle
Hedonistic behavior is evident in daily actions. Common examples include:
Spending Time For Useless Activities
Hedonism isn’t only about casual spending. It also shows up in time use, where short‑term pleasure is prioritized over responsibilities or long‑term goals. Examples include prolonged idling, excessive gaming, and unnecessary shopping.
Do not have an Emergency Fund or Investment
Because money is directed to immediate gratification, they often lack savings or investments. They prioritize the present, making pleasure their main goal.
Consumptive / Likes to Shop
People with hedonistic lifestyles often prioritize consumption to seek pleasure and satisfaction. They equate happiness with acquiring goods and pursuing enjoyable experiences.
Excessive Consumption of Food and Drink
Hedonists may lack consistent standards for consumption, including food. If something feels pleasurable, they may buy it repeatedly without regard for budget or health.
How to Overcome the Habit of Hedonism
Every problem has a solution, and a hedonistic lifestyle is no exception. To reduce hedonistic patterns, clarify your core values and set long‑term goals, practice delayed gratification (e.g., save treats for after tasks), use commitment devices and implementation intentions (“If it’s 7 p.m., then I go to the gym”), limit impulsive rewards (turn off autoplay, set app timers), budget for essentials before leisure, build routines that prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise, cultivate meaningful relationships and purposeful activities, practice mindfulness to notice urges without acting on them, and seek therapy or coaching (such as CBT) if you need structured support.
Define Your Life Purpose
Pause to review and refine your life goals. Prioritize goals that build lasting happiness and meaning.
Reduce Useless Activities
Hedonism centers on pleasure, but not all pleasures are good or beneficial. Avoid activities that provide short-term gratification without lasting value.
Find Happiness in Simple Things
Find happiness in simple, meaningful activities. Read, talk with close friends or family, garden, exercise, or help others.
Ask for Support from the Closest Person
Discuss your problems with people you fully trust. Their advice and support can help you make lasting improvements.
Seek Professional Help
If you struggle to change a hedonistic lifestyle, seek professional help from a psychologist, counselor, or therapist. Evidence-based approaches like CBT can provide structure and skills to build healthier habits.
Change Your Circle of Friends
Research shows your environment—especially your friend group—strongly shapes your habits, values, and well-being. If your friends push you toward superficial fun or wasteful choices, start reassessing those relationships and seek people who support your goals and growth.
Understand That Happiness and Satisfaction Do Not Come From Consumption
Happiness and life satisfaction come less from consumption and more from essentials: strong relationships, good health, purposeful work, and contributions to your community and the environment.
Hedonism can bring quick pleasure but often leads to long-term problems, including poorer health, debt, and strained relationships. Limit hedonistic habits to live more meaningfully.
