The Stoic Dilemma: Between Pleasure and Meaning
Episode #368
Viktor Frankl once wrote, “Those who cannot find a deep sense of meaning distract themselves with pleasure.” It’s a quote that resonates deeply within the Stoic tradition. The Stoics, much like Frankl, warned against the unmoderated pursuit of indulgence. Pleasure, entertainment, materialism—these things are not inherently wrong, but when used to fill a void of meaning, they become distractions. And distractions, by their nature, pull us away from our true purpose.
Yet, there’s an intriguing inversion of this quote—one that opens the door to deeper reflection. Chris Williamson, host of Modern Wisdom, proposed it: “Those who cannot find a deep sense of pleasure distract themselves with meaning.”At first glance, this seems to oppose Stoic thought. But when we dig deeper, we find that it holds an important truth for those of us on the path of self-improvement.
The Traditional View: Meaning Lost, Pleasure Gained
Frankl’s original quote is easier to digest. Many of us know what it feels like to be adrift—unfulfilled at work, disconnected in relationships, uncertain of our role in the world. In these moments, we often turn to comfort. We scroll endlessly, binge shows, drink a little too much, or chase wealth we don’t truly need. These are not evil acts, but they are hollow ones when used as a substitute for meaning.
Frankl’s answer, outlined in Man’s Search for Meaning, is to confront the void. To turn away from distractions and toward something greater than ourselves. The Stoics echo this: aim toward virtue, act appropriately in your roles, and live according to nature. Life isn’t about feeling good—it’s about being good.
The Inverse View: Pleasure Lost, Meaning Gained
Now consider the inversion: “Those who cannot find a deep sense of pleasure distract themselves with meaning.”Initially, this feels absurd. Isn’t meaning the ultimate pursuit? Isn’t that what the Stoics tell us to seek? But this quote speaks not to those who understand pleasure, but to those who have lost it. Those who have forgotten how to sit still, breathe deeply, and enjoy a morning coffee without guilt.
This is the overachiever who can’t relax. The philosopher who can’t laugh. The “baby Stoic,” as I call them—new to the journey and clinging to it so tightly that they forget to live. These individuals don’t escape meaning. Instead, they use it as a shield from the fact that they no longer experience simple joy.
And that, too, is an imbalance.
The Stoic Path: Pleasure Is Not the Enemy
Let’s be clear: Stoicism does not condemn pleasure. It simply doesn’t pursue it as the goal. Seneca wrote of enjoying walks in nature. Marcus Aurelius reminds us to appreciate the present moment. Epictetus drank water, not wine, but he never said others couldn’t enjoy a glass. The difference lies in attachment. A Stoic enjoys coffee—but isn’t devastated if there’s none tomorrow. They enjoy friendship—but understand it may be taken away.
To enjoy a thing with full presence and without dependence is, in many ways, the Stoic ideal.
So the inverted quote is not anti-Stoic. It’s a caution. It warns against a life so full of striving that it forgets to live. A person obsessed with “meaning” who cannot enjoy a sunset, laugh with their child, or take Friday off to share a beer with coworkers, is not living virtuously—they’re living anxiously.
The Balance: Pleasure and Meaning
The true Stoic path, then, is not one of extremes. It’s not all discipline and suffering, nor all comfort and indulgence. It’s about integration—weaving joy into a life built on integrity. It’s about sipping that cup of coffee while reflecting on the day ahead. It’s holding your child while knowing they are not yours to keep forever. It’s enjoying the journey while remembering that the journey ends.
So, where are you in this moment?
Are you using pleasure to numb your dissatisfaction?
Or are you so consumed with meaning that you’ve forgotten how to smile?
Evaluate both ends of the spectrum. If you’re indulging too much, ask what meaning is missing. If you’re obsessing over meaning, ask what pleasures you’ve forgotten.
Because in the end, the Stoic life is not about choosing one over the other. It’s about embracing both—deep meaning and simple joy—with wisdom, presence, and gratitude.
After all, Stoicism reminds us of one simple, profound truth: It is only this moment. Use it well.