Single Idea 128

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

Callicles: Nature says the only authentic way of life is to do nothing to hinder or restrain the expansion of one's desires.

Clarification

'Nature' is the Greek word 'physis'

Gist of Idea

Is it natural to simply indulge our selfish desires?

Source

Plato (Gorgias [c.378 BCE], 491e)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Gorgias', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP World's Classics 1994], p.79


A Reaction

Sounds like the natural desires of a young single man. Parents and spouses have natural desires that focus on other people's desires.