My colleague Senator John Ensign of Nevada told me a story…
“My colleague Senator John Ensign of Nevada told me a story that epitomizes the selfishness of our culture: When I was a teenager, I had a sticker in my car with a picture of a bear scratching himself on the tree, and under it was the saying, 'If it feels good, do it!' That was the motto of the '60s and the '70s, and certainly it is the motto today. The image of the bear scratching himself highlights a view of human beings as animals, and that people should do what pleases them at the moment without a thought to the broader long-term consequences of their actions.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote illustrates a cultural attitude that prioritizes immediate pleasure over long‑term responsibility, likening humans to animals acting on instinct.
In simple terms: People often chase short‑term gratification without considering future effects.
Key Takeaway
Think before acting on impulse.
Themes
selfishness
short‑term pleasure
responsibility
culture
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- consumer behavior
- policy making
- environmental impact
Key Concepts
hedonism
consequentialism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you often act on impulse?
- How could you balance pleasure with responsibility?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the value of delayed gratification and collective well‑being.