Make Life a Pleasure

[CROWN COUNCIL]

Most would agree with what psychologists call "The Pleasure Principle." The principle is that we tend to do those things that give us pleasure and avoid those things that cause us pain. For instance, it is intended that we should be capable and intelligent so we have an inclination called an "appetite" which when satisfied produces a pleasant sensation. When we don't eat, or don't eat good food, we get a very unpleasant pain. Because we are anxious to have those experiences that give us pleasure, and avoid those that cause us pain, we tend to eat regularly and thereby avoid the problems of malnutrition and ill health. 

Next there is a pleasure device which applies to most of the goals we are expected to achieve. To bring about the preservation of the race, the experiences of courtship, marriage and parenthood are made pleasant and thereby couples are brought together to accomplish that desired end. Life wants us to become honest, respectable citizens, and so we are given natural instincts and tendencies that cause us to respond favorably to the commendation and approval of others so as to earn those commendations. 

One of the most interesting inclinations is our own inborn sense of right and wrong that we call "conscience." We are given a wonderful feeling of happiness when we do good things. We get a pleasant feeling when we help others and contribute to worthy causes. 

Another instinct that has a great potential is our desire for personal growth. We have an urge for self- improvement--a natural craving to amount to something. It gives us great pleasure to be successful. 

Now that we know about all of these natural tendencies, we just need to follow the natural laws that are sure to make life a pleasure. 

Gregory B. Anderson-director.