The items on hedonism offer some food for thought. The statement that the purpose of our actions is the seeking of pleasure seems to have an element of truth about it. Of course, we can find exceptions, such that the statement must become more complicated.

For example, we know that short-term forgoing of pleasure can lead to greater pleasure, such as saving our money for a later and larger purpose, for example. And a moment's displeasure can lead to greater pleasure, so we go to the doctor or dentist, even if the experience will be unpleasant at the time.

And there is the fact that if every person looked only after his own pleasure, the community would suffer. With fewer benefits from the community, we would suffer as individuals. So we pay our taxes, help other people, and possibly somebody will help us when we need it, and we will drive on good streets and our children will attend good schools.

Ayn Rand, in her "objectivism," advocated a rather extreme hedonism, in which she said that if one had to choose between a career or taking care of his aged mother, he should choose the career. If this were the case with most people, we would all suffer from the decisions of others, and overall pleasure in life would be reduced.

Further, we are created to feel such things as sympathy, love, shame and guilt. Neglecting our loved ones would produce negative feelings, such that our selfish choices would actually add to our misery, unless we happen to be sociopaths.

The person who sacrifices to care for their children experiences less displeasure in life than had he chosen not to do so. His inner sense of decency would otherwise nag at him and ruin the selfish pleasure he was trying to grab for himself.

All these factors must be considered when suggesting that the purpose of our activity is the finding of pleasure. Then the statement has a greater ring of truth about it.

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Why a homosexuality entry? Mainly because UU's are big on human rights, and are anti-discrimination on various fronts, ranging from race to age to nationality, creed, and sexual orientation. Many UU congregations have formally declared themselves "welcoming congregations," meaning more than that homosexuals are welcome, but that they openly declare that to be so.

Gene Douglas

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