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Pleasure is continually disappointed, reduced, deflated…

“Pleasure is continually disappointed, reduced, deflated, in favor of strong, noble values: Truth, Death, Progress, Struggle, Joy, etc. Its victorious rival is Desire: we are always being told about Desire, never about Pleasure.” quote by Roland Barthes
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“Pleasure is continually disappointed, reduced, deflated, in favor of strong, noble values: Truth, Death, Progress, Struggle, Joy, etc. Its victorious rival is Desire: we are always being told about Desire, never about Pleasure.”

Roland Barthes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pleasure is often suppressed in favor of higher values, while desire is constantly highlighted.

In simple terms: Pleasure is eclipsed by desire and higher values.

Key Takeaway

Balance desire and higher values.

Themes

philosophy values desire

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • personal reflection
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

pleasure truth progress

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor pleasure?
  • What role does desire play in your life?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on higher values can neglect simple joys.

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