According to the idea of folk hedonism, people often make choices based solely on their ability to maximize their own sensory pleasure and avoid discomfort in the present moment. This can result in a narrow focus on short-term pleasures and a disregard for the potential negative impacts of those actions on themselves, others, or society as a whole.
Folk hedonism stands in contrast to more complex philosophical and ethical approaches to happiness, which consider factors such as virtue, meaning, personal growth, relationships, and the well-being of others as important aspects of a fulfilling life.
While seeking pleasure and avoiding pain are natural human desires, folk hedonism suggests a tendency to oversimplify and prioritize sensory enjoyment at the expense of other meaningful and sustainable sources of happiness. Critics argue that relying solely on pleasure-seeking often leads to a lack of personal fulfillment and can undermine broader social and ethical considerations.