Absolutely. I think the majority of folks who get upset seeing an overweight person are thinking that this person goes home sits on their couch and laughing while slamming bag after bag of Doritos. Not usually the case in my opinion.

Interesting discussion. I agree that most people are revolted by any other person behaving in a hedonistic way. I wish most would just mind their own business and examine themselves more frequently than they examine others.

Hmmmm... This might be a time it's best to stay quiet, but... NAH! I lived for many years with a morbidly obese individual and I know how much one has to eat to get that way and all of the shame-based behaviors that go along with it. It is, in my opinion, no different than being an alcoholic or a drug addict, and often arises out of the same inner demons. It's an illness that requires treatment, and it kills. JHMO.

Interesting post, W.

I wasn't really referring to the morbidly obese, sophmom. I was referring to just the average overweight person, which in today's society, is anyone who weighs more than current fashion ideals in some people's eyes.

And, even in that case, it doesn't mean the person has given up all rights to common courtesy.

Some great points.

I think the generally accepted concept of hedonism gets a bad rap (or is it wrap?). Quinessentially, hedonism is the doctrine of what is pleasureable is the highest, utmost good in the world. If you break it down, who really enjoys displeasure or pain (not talking about your run of the mill masochist here)? No one...sane. Illness is an antithesis to the hedonist doctrine/philososphy/creed...thus hedonistic gluttony ultimately causes illness i.e. obesity. Obesity can lead to the plethora of things and death. But there is a contradiction somewhere if you consider hedonism and obesity together.

But now that some time has passed, and I too have been able to mull it over, I am more certain than ever that libertinism and hedonism are two seperate concepts. While hedonism is the push toward finding the 'good' in pleasure no matter the consequence (I am little skeptical toward this), libertinism is a conscious disregard of the cultural implications of restraint upon the sexual/political/religious/philosophical. Can a libertine be a hedonist? I think so...and vice versa. However, and I am most likely biased on this account, I think the libertine is a bit more three-dimensional than a true hedonist.

Actually, I believe I should mull it over a bit more.

I am having far too much fun with this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I think you've nailed it....a libertine is more conscious and three dimensional than a hedonist.

Back when my blog was originally called the Libertine Muse I was constantly criticized for referring to myself as a Libertine. Apparently there is a whole group of people that believe as a libertine with little sexual restraints, we don't find anything wrong with child molestors or having sex with children. As a rebuttal I wrote a post titled, "What is a libertine" and spent a great deal of time arguing against that particular point of view in one specific forum. After the release of movies like Quills and The Libertine, I think people have forgotten about the other aspects of Libertinism. great post.

Gorging oneself on fine food has always been the hallmark of a libertine/hedonist. I eat ravenously, but also workout at the gym like someone possessed. Their are also new drugs coming out shortly from companies like Sirtris that will allow you to become a glutton without gaining weight.