Augustine's Pursuit Of Happiness

Hedonism is typically defined as, “The belief that pleasure or happiness is the most important goal in life”. While this can be achieved in numerous ways, ultimately the underlining goal in every individuals’ life is achieve unwithering happiness and pleasure. When one decides on a career, a car, a house, a family, or even when following a religion it is the ultimate goal that these worldly objects in the end bring you happiness and satisfaction. However, not always is it morally correct to find pleasure and satisfaction in worldly desired objects. While one might desire ultimate happiness for themselves, it should only be done if it is fully dedicated to God and what is acceptable to Him. One can desire happiness and satisfaction, as long as those pleasures are pleasing to God. Hedonism can be broken down into two different types: Christian Hedonism and Worldly Hedonism. While both types ultimately desire to accomplish the same conclusion, each one is extremely different from the other. Christian Hedonism focused on God’s ultimate desire for …show more content…
Understanding the difference between worldly hedonism and christian hedonism is significant to comprehend Augustine’s classification of pleasure and happiness after his conversion. However, previous to Augustine’s conversion to Christianity, he lived a life full of selfish pleasure. His actions were not viewed as morally nor socially acceptable unto the Christian community. He lived a life of pursuing pleasure and satisfaction based on his selfless needs and not of the way God desires. However, after his conversion Augustin dedicated his life to living fulling for God, and only following the desires of God’s heart. He strived for pleasure and happiness that was appeasing to God and simply not to himself. Following his conversion Augustine’s view of hedonism changed from worldly hedonism to Christian