Predatory and Alternative Hedonism – Better Later than Now?

Hedonistic ethos is to intensify in the environment of consumer culture and in theatmosphere of unlimited consumerism, intentionally supported by market mechanisms.The value patterns of hedonistic life style are defined by experience motivations,excitement, sensual pleasures, delight, self-satisfaction, intensive need for emotionalstimulations, present-time orientation or accelerated pace of life. It is considered identicalwith radical inclination towards individualization life practices, rapidly growing egoism andnarcissistic tendencies confirming the meaning of one’s own existence. Life philosophy ofindependence, non-determination and “inner orientation” logically leads to the applicationof such life strategies that can support and develop this attitude to life. Predatory hedonismfocusing on the values of pleasurable experience requires mobility, exibility and variability;it refuses to accept stability and obligations, i.e. anything that could tie and restrict lifemovement focusing on the eeting and shifting world of experiences. It is a life “withoutties”, unpredictable, unsettled, wild and impulsive. Hedonistic life style oriented towardsconsumer values, however, meets with frequent social, ecological and ethical criticism.There is room for discussion related to the alternative model of hedonism based on moreresponsible and well-considered approach towards consumption and voluntary modesty,which shall eventually enhance the sense of personal happiness and general satisfactionwith life. Ethical consumption, as part of fulfilling the idea of alternative hedonism, maybecome an attractive objective of this lifestyle, based on a non-ascetic, but socially andenvironmentally friendly, way of life. The alternative hedonism is further compared withideas of economics of productive consumption and with development of financial market.