Human beings need pleasure the way they need vitamins.

Human beings need pleasure the way they need vitamins.

Pleasure to me is wonder—the unexplored, the unexpected, the thing that is hidden and the changeless thing that lurks behind read more

Pleasure to me is wonder—the unexplored, the unexpected, the thing that is hidden and the changeless thing that lurks behind superficial mutability.

I despise the pleasure of pleasing people that I despise.

I despise the pleasure of pleasing people that I despise.

Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.

Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.

It is happy for you that possess the talent of pleasing with
delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing read more

It is happy for you that possess the talent of pleasing with
delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed
from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous
study?

I live and reign since I have abandoned those pleasures which you
by your praises extol to the skies.
read more

I live and reign since I have abandoned those pleasures which you
by your praises extol to the skies.
[Lat., Vivo et regno, simul ista reliqui
Quae vos ad coelum effertis rumore secundo.]

The average man does not get pleasure out of an idea because he thinks it is true; he thinks it read more

The average man does not get pleasure out of an idea because he thinks it is true; he thinks it is true because he gets pleasure out of it.

But pleasures are like poppies spread;
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed.
Or like the read more

But pleasures are like poppies spread;
You seize the flower, its bloom is shed.
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white--then melts forever.

Pleasure admitted in undue degree
Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.

Pleasure admitted in undue degree
Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.