Philosophy Discussion Forums

"Many a man thinks he is buying pleasure, when he is really selling himself to it."
- Ben Franklin


When you understand this idea of selling yourself to pleasure and comfort, you understand by contrast what I mean by spiritual freedom (a.k.a. self-discipline).

It's the difference between being a sellout determined by someone or something else, versus being self-responsible and self-determined.

It's the difference between being an addict versus being a free spirit.

All humans are on the addiction spectrum, and comfort addiction is the most common addiction.

Perhaps the epitome of comfort addiction is the way people desperately chase money and become spiritual slaves to their financial greed and materialism, be it fancy cars or expensive jewelry. Many don't even get it despite selling themself in the chase of it, like a broke alcoholic bum begging for money outside a liquor store only to remain forced into miserable sobriety by his own poverty not by happy choice.



"For what has a man profited if he gains the whole world for the price of his soul?"
- Jesus


"You have something in you more powerful and miraculous than the things that affect you and make you dance like a puppet."
- Marcus Aurelius


#Freedom #FreeSpirit #EmbraceDiscomfort

Comfort addiction seems to me the right topic for discussion. It was knowledgeable to learn the difference between being an addict versus being a free spirit. I liked the quote that means we have something in us more powerful and miraculous than the things that affect us and make us dance like a puppet. It was contextual and greatly appealing.

Very true. Most of us humans are addicted to comfort, and that is a barrier to our spiritual freedom.,

While comfort can be pleasurable, embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth and resilience. Selling out occurs when individuals compromise their values or principles for financial gain or societal approval. It's crucial to balance personal integrity with external pressures. Selling yourself to pleasure implies prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term fulfillment. Striking a balance between pleasure and self-discipline is vital for a well-rounded and meaningful life. #Freedom and #FreeSpirit involve navigating these dynamics to find authentic self-expression and fulfillment. Embracing discomfort can lead to true freedom, fostering personal growth and resilience.

I have been a comfort addict most of my life. I am most of the time scared of taking any risk. So for me, the addiction was due to fear of change and unknown. I lacked faith. I did not grow in life and wasted most of my life chasing materialism. I have recently in the past 2-3 years started exploring things like spirituality, meditation, psychology, and philosophy and now I have also read your book. I understand it's hard to change in life. Change only occurs when it comes from within aka spirit/heart and ego/willpower has no place in it. I have used willpower all my life and failed. But following my spirit I have seen some changes. Although not big changes, every day I am trying to change and grow little by little.

All of us are either merchants or buyers (everyone play both roles more or less, simultaneously or alternatively) in today's capitalist world. We are forced to either sell or buy, always, and that is how this world works. But we have to be aware what we are selling and at what price we are buying. If we are selling our souls, or if we are using our soul as the currency to buy something (like comfort) is it worth it? I don't think so.