Is watching porn wrong? A Stoic answer (short version)

(!) You are reading the short version of a much longer article, which explains more what is at stake, available here : https://medium.com/@unregardstoicien/is-watching-porn-wrong-a-stoic-answer-e6e72633de41 (!)

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The word pornography here refers mainly to audiovisual productions available online, but the reader may extend the word to any other work that stimulates his sexual appetite.

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy of life that considers that the purpose of human existence is virtue, that is to say, excellence of character, self-control, the ability to demonstrate courage, justice, moderation and wisdom.

Pleasure is legitimate and necessary

Contrary to a very widespread and absurd idea, Stoicism does not condemn pleasure.

Pleasure is acceptable if it presents itself to you without directly opposing virtue : the pleasure of eating out from time to time, the pleasure of an erotic embrace with a valued partner, the pleasure of sharing a few drinks with friends, etc. Seneca even supports the pleasure of drinking wine from time to time to release the tension of the soul (On the tranquility of mind, 3–9).