Meaning of Hedon: Definition, History, and its Negative Impact

Kapanlagi.com - What is the meaning of hedon? Is it a slang language? Yes, hedon is a language that is not unfamiliar to the public, especially for the Indonesian society. This term is often used in everyday conversations. Yes, the meaning of hedon is often associated with various luxurious things or extravagant behavior.

So, the meaning of hedon itself can be a statement or a term for someone who has a wasteful attitude and likes to spend money. Even this hedon expression can also be a term for something luxurious and has no benefit. However, is the meaning of hedon really like that? Or is there another intention?

Now, for KLovers who are curious about the meaning of hedon, here is the meaning of hedon along with the history of the term that you can know. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. Understanding Hedonism

Definition of hedon (credit: Pixabay)

What is the meaning of hedonism? Well, hedonism comes from the word hedonisme. Hedonism is a way of life that believes that people will be happy by seeking as much happiness as possible and avoiding painful feelings.

Hedonism is a doctrine or belief that pleasure and enjoyment are the goals of life and part of human actions. There are three schools of thought in hedonism, namely Cyrenaics, Epicureanism, and Utilitarianism. And it is within these three schools that hedonism is formed.

In general, hedonism or hedon is a term that refers to the attitude of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. In this context, it can be understood that the hedonistic attitude prioritizes pleasure above anything else.

Therefore, people who adhere to this principle will feel prosperous in their lives when they have various things that bring abundant pleasure to them. Hedon is not a term that originated in modern times, but it has existed and been known since ancient times.

Until now, this term is still relevant and often used in everyday life. It can be said that the term hedonism has a negative connotation in society because it is associated with a wasteful attitude to obtain pleasure and not thinking about anything else, other than self-pleasure.

2. History of Hedon

History of the term hedon (credit: Pixabay)

As previously known, hedon is not a term that emerged in the present time, but has existed and been known since ancient times. The word hedonism is derived from the Greek language, hedonismos, from the root word hedone, which means "pleasure". The meaning of hedon explains both what satisfies human desires and what enhances the quantity of that pleasure.

According to Wikipedia, Hedonism emerged in the early history of philosophy around 433 BC. It began with Socrates questioning what is the ultimate goal of human beings. Then Aristippus of Cyrene (433-355 BC) answered that pleasure is the best thing for humans.

Aristippus explained that humans have always sought pleasure since childhood, and if they do not achieve it, they will seek something else. The view of "pleasure" or hedonism was then continued by another Greek philosopher named Epicurus (341-270 BC). According to him, the actions of humans seeking pleasure are natural.

However, Epicurean hedonism has a broader meaning or explanation, my dear readers. This is because it not only includes bodily pleasure like Aristippus' view, but also spiritual pleasure can be one of them, such as the liberation of the soul from unrest.

3. Negative Impact of Hedon

The negative impact that occurs when hedon (credit: Pixabay)

After KLovers understand the meaning of hedon, KLovers also need to know the negative impact of hedon. Yes, nowadays in the modern era, the word hedon is used for someone who likes luxury and extravagance. So, this certainly becomes a negative impact. Hedon is an attitude of pleasure that can cause various risks and dangerous consequences.

In this case, dependence or addiction, overeating, and compulsive consumption are considered as the consequences of someone's pleasure experience. Like the behavior of alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and excessive sexual relationships to satisfy the desire for pleasure.

The desire to chase one pleasure too often at the expense of other aspects of life like this actually gives a contradictory meaning to pleasure. So, uncontrolled lustful behavior can eliminate the principle of pleasure as the best thing expected.

From all of these explanations, it can certainly be understood that the word hedon is not good. This is simply because some examples of behavior beyond those limits will actually cause many disadvantages in life, both in terms of health and social life.

That is the meaning of hedon that KLovers can know and understand well. Hopefully, the meaning of hedon along with its definition and history can be a lesson for KLovers.

(kpl/gen/dhm)