Confucius’s Three Beneficial and Three Harmful Pleasures: A Guide to True Happiness

Confucius said, “There are three kinds of beneficial pleasures and three kinds of harmful pleasures. The beneficial pleasures are: the pleasures of observing propriety and music, the pleasures of praising others’ good qualities, and the pleasures of having many virtuous friends. The harmful pleasures are: the pleasures of pride, the pleasures of idleness, and the pleasures of gluttony.”

[Annotation] (1) Observing propriety and music: Confucius advocated using propriety and music to restrain oneself. (2) Pride: the pleasure of being arrogant and unrestrained. (3) Yì: same as “yì.” (4) Yàn yuè: to indulge in feasting and drinking for pleasure.

[Translation] Confucius said, “There are three kinds of beneficial preferences and three kinds of harmful preferences. It is beneficial to have the preference to regulate oneself with music and ritual, to praise the good in others, and to have many virtuous friends. It is harmful to have the preference to be proud, to idle around, and to eat and drink to excess.”

Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, offered timeless wisdom on various aspects of life, including how our pleasures and pursuits can shape our well-being and character. In his teachings, he distinguished between three beneficial pleasures and three harmful ones, providing a guide for achieving true happiness and living a balanced life.

The Three Beneficial Pleasures

Pleasure in Regulated Rituals and Music

Definition: Confucius advocated for deriving joy from engaging with rituals and music in a disciplined manner. These cultural practices should not be excessive or indulgent but used to cultivate self-discipline and inner harmony.

Benefits: Finding pleasure in regulated rituals and music helps in maintaining balance and structure in life. It fosters a sense of respect for tradition and personal refinement, contributing to mental and emotional stability.

Pleasure in Recognizing Others’ Virtues

Definition: Enjoying and appreciating the virtues and good qualities of others is another form of beneficial pleasure. It involves acknowledging and celebrating the positive traits of those around us.

Benefits: This form of pleasure enhances social harmony and strengthens relationships. By focusing on others’ strengths, we foster an environment of mutual respect and encouragement, which positively impacts our own character.

Pleasure in Cultivating Virtuous Friendships

Definition: Surrounding oneself with friends who exhibit moral virtues and wisdom is a crucial source of beneficial pleasure. It involves forming connections with people who inspire and uplift us.

Benefits: Cultivating friendships with virtuous individuals supports personal growth and moral development. These relationships provide guidance, support, and motivation to pursue a virtuous life.

The Three Harmful Pleasures

Pleasure in Arrogance and Self-Indulgence

Definition: Taking pleasure in arrogance and self-indulgence is detrimental. This involves excessive pride and a lack of self-control, leading to behaviors that undermine personal growth and social harmony.

Consequences: Arrogance and self-indulgence can alienate others and disrupt relationships. They foster an environment of self-centeredness, which hinders both personal and social development.

Pleasure in Idleness and Excessive Leisure

Definition: Enjoying idleness and excessive leisure activities without purpose or moderation is considered harmful. This includes spending too much time on trivial pursuits that offer no substantial benefit.

Consequences: Excessive leisure and idleness can lead to a lack of productivity and personal stagnation. It prevents individuals from achieving their goals and contributes to a sense of purposelessness.

Pleasure in Overindulgence and Excessive Festivities

Definition: Taking pleasure in overindulgence and excessive celebrations, such as overeating and drinking, is harmful. This involves a lack of moderation and an overemphasis on temporary pleasures.

Consequences: Overindulgence and excessive festivities can lead to health issues and a loss of self-control. They often result in superficial happiness that does not contribute to long-term well-being or personal growth.

The Importance of Balancing Pleasures

Confucius’s guidance on pleasures emphasizes the need for balance and moderation in our pursuits. Beneficial pleasures contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life, while harmful pleasures can undermine our well-being and character.

Self-Discipline and Regulation: Engaging in regulated rituals and music, appreciating others’ virtues, and building virtuous friendships requires self-discipline and a mindful approach to life. These practices help in maintaining balance and fostering personal development.

Avoiding Excess and Arrogance: To achieve a harmonious life, it is essential to avoid excessive arrogance, idleness, and overindulgence. These harmful pleasures disrupt personal growth and social harmony, leading to negative consequences.

Fostering Positive Relationships: By focusing on beneficial pleasures and surrounding ourselves with virtuous individuals, we create a supportive environment that enhances our overall well-being and contributes to a meaningful life.