In some ways, not much has changed in Humanist thinking since Epicurus. ----more----
Intellectually, we know that it is a good idea to take a short term pain if it results in a long term gain.
It is also a good idea to avoid a short term pleasure to avoid a long term pain.
The problem is in knowing WHEN you are dealing with short term vs long term gain or pains.
I’m not sure anyone gets this right all the time.
I know I sure don’t.
But this is why Humanists consider critical thinking to be such an essential life skill.
The best way to determine what is in your short and/or long term interest is by thinking critically about the dilemma you are facing.
Critical thinking, it’s not just for debunking religion!
It’s a basic life skill