Philosophy Discussion Forums

Fun fact, I originally came up with the idea for my book In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All in my curiosity to answer the question: "What is the opposite of temptation?"

What I say in the book is that all humans are on the addiction spectrum.

So we can all learn from the habits that let one overcome addiction, transcend bodily feelings, and achieve spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline), thereby getting to enjoy the true happiness that is consistent free-spirited inner peace.

Such overcoming of temptation and breaking of the cycles of addiction also tend to result in incredible success and prosperity, by putting the freed person into a cooperative truly loving relationship with their selves over time leading to self-determined consistency. The happy person isn't happy because they achieved success, but rather they tend to achieve success because they are happy in terms of having the consistent true happiness of invincible inner peace and spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline). It's the kind of happiness that doesn't depend on external validation or material wealth. It's the kind of happiness you can't buy and that nobody can steal from you. It's the kind of happiness that leads to material success, not vice versa.

Due to his choice to not enjoy the true happiness that is free-spirited inner peace, the addict stays trapped, stuck, and imprisoned in his cycle of addiction. He is a slave to temptation and comfort-seeking, a prisoner to the miserable unfulfilling comfort zone of false idols. The addict doesn't get anywhere while he cyclically bounces back and forth, over and over, from miserable sobriety to miserable relapse and temptation-caving, always unhappily chasing greener grass but never happy. He runs around in circles between different-colored grass like a dog chasing its own tail. The addict keeps saying, "I'm unhappy now but I'll be happy one day when XYZ happens." The XYZ keeps changing, hence the inconsistency, because they always need a new excuse or scapegoat for their unhappiness. They don't lack happiness because they lack consistency; Rather, they lack consistency because they lack happiness--the kind of happiness that is yours the second you stop making dishonest excuses and simply choose to have it. It's the kind of happiness you get instantly as soon as you admit to yourself that, when it comes to your choices, you always get exactly what you want.

Someone who is miserable on a treadmill won't run as far as someone who enjoys the true happiness of free-spirited inner peace while running.

The one who unhappily thinks, "I have to do this, but I don't want to," won't run as far or as well, at least not consistently. In contrast, I run far on the treadmill because I am happy when I run, because I am honestly lovingly thinking, "I want to do this. I choose to do this. And, when it comes to my choices, I always get what I want. I'm happy because, as always, I am getting exactly what I want, which right now, is to keep running." When that's how you think, you can run very far, with incredible determination and consistency, and thus incredible material results.

I am happy even when I sweat in physical pain. I am happy even when I bravely work through feelings of intense fear. Actually, to say "even when" in the preceding sentences is not correct. Rather, I am happy especially when I sweat in physical pain and especially when I am bravery working through fear.


If you read my book, please reply to let me know, what do you think is the opposite of temptation? Did my book help answer this question for you?


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To answer your query, self-control or resistance can be considered the antithesis of temptation. It's capacity to rebuff the draw or allure of something that might be alluring but ultimately harmful. One can resist temptation and keep from engaging in addictive behaviors by practicing self-control and by carefully choosing their actions. From your point of view, it appears that your book stresses the value of discovering inner calm, self-control, and happiness that isn't reliant on other people's approval or material wealth. It implies overcoming addiction and consistently exercising self-control can lead to genuine happiness and success. It encourages the notion that one must be content and fulfilled in the present for one's development and prosperity.

I haven't finished reading the book yet, but it's fascinating to know that the book was written to answer that question. I'm past the middle of the book, and can see that question starting to be answered already. I agree with a lot of the concepts in it, as I've seen a major difference in my life having been able to resist certain temptations over the past few years. I'm thriving now! To get back to your question, I believe the opposite of temptation is peace or satisfaction. I was able to resist temptation or not be tempted at all, because I had found peace in a way I never had before. If you're satisfied with the way things are, you most likely won't be swayed to change it.

The opposite of temptation can be seen as "resistance" or "self-control." Temptation often arises when there is a conflict between our desires or impulses and our rational judgment or moral values. It represents a force that entices us towards actions or choices that may not align with our higher principles or goals. In contrast, resistance or self-control involves the ability to overcome or suppress these tempting influences, allowing us to act in accordance with our reason and moral convictions. It signifies the strength to resist immediate gratification in favor of long-term well-being or ethical considerations.

The opposite of temptation can be seen as "resistance" or "self-control." Temptation often arises when there is a conflict between our desires or impulses and our rational judgment or moral values. It represents a force that entices us towards actions or choices that may not align with our higher principles or goals. In contrast, resistance or self-control involves the ability to overcome or suppress these tempting influences, allowing us to act in accordance with our reason and moral convictions. It signifies the strength to resist immediate gratification in favor of long-term well-being or ethical considerations.

I'm not finished with the book yet, I'm about halfway through, but I can see where the basis of the book originates from this question. The answers are beginning to form and I'm fascinated by reading about the idea of every individual being on the addiction spectrum. I've also said the same thing before in philosophical discussions and it feels justifying to have someone else agree. To answer the question, I think the opposite of temptation is satisfaction; being satisfied with a situation and not seeking more.

While temptation refers to the desire or urge to do something, especially something unwise or harmful, its opposite, resistance, involves the act of withstanding that urge. It's the ability to refrain from succumbing to impulses and making choices aligned with self-control and discipline. Resistance implies a conscious effort to resist the pull of temptation and make decisions based on rationality or long-term goals.

Nancy004 wrote: ↑July 17th, 2023, 3:37 am The opposite of temptation can be seen as "resistance" or "self-control." Temptation often arises when there is a conflict between our desires or impulses and our rational judgment or moral values. It represents a force that entices us towards actions or choices that may not align with our higher principles or goals. In contrast, resistance or self-control involves the ability to overcome or suppress these tempting influences, allowing us to act in accordance with our reason and moral convictions. It signifies the strength to resist immediate gratification in favor of long-term well-being or ethical considerations.

Yes I agree with you because without self control we can't control our desires and impulses.

Erikpume Victory wrote: ↑January 16th, 2024, 10:39 am

Nancy004 wrote: ↑July 17th, 2023, 3:37 am The opposite of temptation can be seen as "resistance" or "self-control." Temptation often arises when there is a conflict between our desires or impulses and our rational judgment or moral values. It represents a force that entices us towards actions or choices that may not align with our higher principles or goals. In contrast, resistance or self-control involves the ability to overcome or suppress these tempting influences, allowing us to act in accordance with our reason and moral convictions. It signifies the strength to resist immediate gratification in favor of long-term well-being or ethical considerations.

Yes I agree with you because without self control we can't control our desires and impulses.

RE: "It signifies the strength to resist immediate gratification in favor of long-term well-being or ethical considerations."
How does one get the strength to resist?

Those are really thoughtful words. I have also realized that if I am not happy doing an exercise, I will do less than what I am supposed to. However, if I try to enjoy it, I hope I will be able to do exercise consistently and for longer periods of time.

The opposite of temptation, resistance, refers to the ability to refrain from succumbing to the allure of a tempting or undesirable situation. It involves exercising self-control, willpower, and making conscious decisions to resist impulses or urges that may lead to unwanted outcomes. In essence, while temptation pulls one towards a certain action, resistance involves pushing back against those impulses in order to maintain discipline or adhere to one's principles.

This is a tough one. I think the opposite of temptation is resistance. Another opposite is willpower. Apply resistance and willpower in the face of temptation and watch yourself overcome. Peace!

I read one comment here. saying "The opposite of temptation is resistance and I've been thinking about it ever since. I second that.

I am currently reading your book and I really love how you addressed temptation and addictions. I have to agree with what you said. true inner happiness and the ability to make your own choices is the opposite of temptation. You aren't being pulled one way or another based on outside circumstances that you think at that moment will make you happy. You actually make choices you want, simply because you want to do them and therefore you aren't tempted by anything else, you're listening to your inner voice and doing what makes you happy and therefore eliminating the "should" and "could", replacing it with "want" and having that be the end of the story.

The opposite of temptation is typically considered to be resistance or self-control. Temptation lures individuals toward actions or choices that may be morally or ethically questionable, appealing to desires or impulses. In contrast, resistance involves the conscious effort to refrain from succumbing to those urges, often driven by willpower, values, or long-term goals. It signifies the ability to withstand external or internal pressures and make decisions aligned with one's principles or objectives, even when faced with tempting alternatives. While temptation tempts individuals to deviate from their desired path, resistance empowers them to stay true to their intentions and maintain integrity. Cultivating resistance involves mindfulness, discipline, and sometimes seeking support from others or implementing strategies to mitigate the allure of temptation. Ultimately, mastering resistance enables individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater fortitude, resilience, and adherence to their chosen course of action.