Webster's dictionary defines hedonism as "the ethical doctrine according to which pleasure, variously conceived in terms of the happiness of the individual or of society, is the principal good and the proper purpose of action" or “the theory that a person always acts in such a way as to seek pleasure and avoid pain.” With this definition in mind, and with further examination of John Stuart Mill's theory of hedonism, I will argue that hedonism is not an exclusive or distinct way of thinking. In fact, I think that, with the exception of perhaps a few people, most people are very inclined towards hedonism. tamu.edu). Now, is this really a new and profound thought? If you avoid pain, will you lead a happier life? With a few exceptions, I don't know many people who see pain as pleasure. Most people I know are committed to enjoying themselves at some stage or another, and that doesn't include enjoying the pain. “Mill's general argument is the right of the individual to think and act for himself. It does not mean the right to think and act as you like (Castell 360). Although Mill encouraged independent thought and actions, he did not justify rushing around and do what they liked. According to the Hedonic Society, what they call Enlightened Hedonism ("a naturalistic and humanistic defense of life). ration of cultivating pleasure and happiness for all") can be stated...... in the center of the card ...... for a relatively balanced life, you would include both the physical and intellectual aspects of your life. Which whether or not you would be labeled a "hedonist" would remain to be seen. If you incorporated the greater needs of others into your immediate individual needs, then technically, that would be hedonism. But I would venture to say that you would be labeled a "good person." , Alburey, et al., Introduction to MoernPhilosophy: Examining the Human Condition (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001). Stanford University (online) www.stanford.edu/~quixote/philosophies.htm#hedonism*. . (03/12/2001). "John Stuart Mill." *www-/phil.tamu.edu/~gary/intro/lecture.mill_1.html.(03/12/2001).“What is enlightened hedonism?” Hedonic Society (online) *www.hedonicsociety.org /custom/html*.(12/03/2001)