Dr Rajkumar Singh
‘Pleasure’ is a positive emotional and physical sensation that can be experienced in many different ways, depending on the individual and their preferences. In daily life some common sources of pleasure include food, sex, exercise, music, art, socializing, and other enjoyable activities. It can be a healthy and important part of our lives, as it can promote well-being, happiness, and relaxation. However, it’s important to balance pleasure with other aspects of life, such as work, responsibilities, and self-care, while excess of pleasure can lead to negative consequences, such as addiction, physical health problems, and relationship issues. Here, it’s important to note that pleasure can be subjective and vary from person to person. What brings pleasure to one person may not bring pleasure to another. At large, cultural and societal norms can influence what is considered pleasurable or acceptable in different contexts. The status of pleasure in society can vary depending on cultural and social factors. Historically, pleasure has been viewed with suspicion and considered a potential source of moral corruption or temptation. This view is often associated with certain religious and philosophical traditions that view pleasure-seeking as a distraction from spiritual or intellectual pursuits. However, in contemporary society, pleasure is often valued and pursued as an important aspect of personal well-being and happiness. In nutshell, the status of pleasure in society is complex and multifaceted, and can vary depending on a variety of factors such as cultural, religious, and social beliefs, as well as individual attitudes and experiences.
Origin of pleasure: The origin of pleasure is a complex topic that has been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and scientists for centuries. In the context, there are several theories and according to one pleasure evolved as a mechanism to encourage behaviours that are beneficial for survival and reproduction. It is deeply associated with eating which encourages us to seek out and consume food, which is necessary for our survival. Similarly, sexual pleasure encourages reproduction, which is essential for the survival of our species. Another theory suggests that pleasure is a by-product of brain activity that evolved for other purposes and it is attached with music or art, a by-product of our brain’s reward system, which evolved to reinforce behaviours that promote survival and reproduction. Recent research has also suggested that pleasure may be influenced by genetics and the environment. In some individuals’ case it may be predisposed to experiencing greater pleasure from certain activities, while in others it may have learned to associate certain stimuli with pleasure through their environment and experiences. We feel pleasure when our brain releases neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin that produce positive emotions and sensations in response to certain stimuli or activities. The specific triggers, there are five activities which are responsible for variation in person to person;
1.Eating delicious food: The taste and smell of food can activate pleasure centres in the brain and release dopamine, which produces feelings of pleasure and reward.
2.Physical relationships: Sexual activity can also activate pleasure centres in the brain and release dopamine, which can produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
