Image for Aristippus

Aristippus

Aristippus was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the Cyrenaic school of thought. He believed that pleasure and happiness are the highest goals in life, and that true contentment comes from experiencing immediate pleasures—such as sensory enjoyments—without overindulgence or unnecessary pain. Aristippus emphasized living in the moment and valuing personal happiness, advocating for a balanced approach that seeks pleasure while avoiding excess. His philosophy contrasts with other schools that prioritize virtue or long-term virtue, focusing instead on the pursuit of pleasurable experiences as the key to a good life.