Pleasure vs. Happiness

Rabbi Moshe Ben-Chaim

“Torah teaches a yesode, a fundamental: the life of lusts leads to depression. The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer said, “Every pleasure is followed by another pleasure, or depression.” He meant this point: physical pleasures do not satisfy man but momentarily, which drive man to seek yet another pleasure, or realize the failure of such pursuits, leading to depression. Man’s pleasure is derived only from pursuing God’s wisdom.” -Rabbi Israel Chait

Alex: I question what Rabbi Chait said above. Isn't there pleasure in having children, intimacy with one's wife? Isn't there pleasure in non-talmud Torah activities like doing chessed? Rambam writes there is no greater joy than helping the orphan etc. Also Rambam writes in his letters that he gets simcha/nachas seeing his son become a scholar. Also, Rambam held the middle ground—“golden mean”—when it comes to simcha. Isn't this to be achieved by doing activities non-metaphysical that contribute to simcha? Didn't the aspiring prophets listen to music to be in a prophetic state because this requires simcha? Didn't Jacob lose prophecy because of the anguish of the loss a son? Doesn't that show the material world contributes to simcha?

Rabbi: Yes, there are other pleasures man needs psychologically so he is content, like sex, food, entertainment, etc. But these are not "ends," but merely a "means" preparing man for the primary and ultimate state man must engage to attain happiness, and that is wisdom. Man cannot learn if he is starving, but this does not mean eating is man's goal. Wisdom is what provides ongoing complete fulfillment of man's soul. Do not confuse physical pleasure with happiness, the former are short-lived and not God's aim for man who possesses a soul. Furthermore, all physical pleasures when overindulged end in extreme pain. They cannot be God's plan.

Rabbi Chait discounts physical pleasures as an ends. But happiness in pursuing God's wisdom does not expire, like physical pleasures, and offers only enjoyment and no pain. Rabbi Chait said that one may endure a painful operation to improve his health. This results in his happiness. Thus, pain does not detract from happiness. And we see pleasure and happiness are two separate matters.