Defined Quote by John Berger
“The existence of pleasure is the first mystery. The existence of pain has prompted far more philosophical speculation. Pleasure and pain need to be considered together; they are inseparable. Yet the space filled by each is perhaps different. Pleasure, defined as a sense of gratification, is essential for nature”
About This Quote
Source Book: Ways of Seeing by John Berger, 1972
Pleasure and pain are intertwined aspects of experience; both shape our understanding of existence, yet they differ in how they occupy our consciousness.
In simple terms: Pleasure and pain are linked but distinct.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both pleasure and pain as essential.
Themes
philosophy
human experience
dualities
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- art criticism
- psychology
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Existentialism
phenomenology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance seeking pleasure with acknowledging pain?
- What does each reveal about your values?
A Different Perspective
Pleasure may dominate perception, obscuring pain’s insights.
![“There's the artist's intimacy and truthfulness to himself, but an equal intimacy to the Other [the one drawn]. Picasso drawings are like that... the Rembrandts are like that. The artist who most often did that was Van Gogh.” quote by John Berger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d1/john-berger-1590_art_there-s-the-artist-s-intimacy-and-truthf_155171.jpg)
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
