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I was recently "informed" that hedonism is not simply "being an asshole" and has more to do with "figuring out one's own happiness". This is quite the opposite of what hedonism is.
First, we must start with the definition of hedonism; that is, the idea that the point of a human life is to satisfy one's own wants and desires. After a quick glance, it makes complete sense that this would be the shortcut to happiness. Obtaining whatever we want and attempting to satisfy our desires sounds like a surefire method to becoming happy.
Unfortunately, hedonism is anything but connected to happiness. Happiness stems from contentedness, a state that cannot be achieved by a hedonist. Why? Because hedonism is a constant search for something better, for something that satisfies you just a little more.
An example of this is a pursuit of money. When a person becomes wealthy, they do everything in their power to obtain more. They get trapped in an mental track that tells them, "If only you had a little more." This sounds like something that happens only to the rich, which is what stereotypes would have you believe. Hedonism does not discriminate, though, and will penetrate all classes without hesitation. Everyone wants more, thus they are never HAPPY with what they have.
Another example is doing good things for others. Most people do them solely because it makes them feel good. This, too, is hedonism, thus it will not make you happy. It may give the giver a false sense of happiness, an illusion of a sated desire, but it only leaves you feeling like you must do more and more of it in order to satisfy yourself. Thus, you are not truly happy on your own.
This philosophy is a dictating part in determining true human nature. People want to serve themselves, make themselves a deity, so they can serve themselves, pleasure themselves, satisfy themselves. Thus, many people will fail to reach a state of happiness.