Hedonism is overrated - to make the best of life there must be pain, says this Yale professor

The most satisfying lives are those which involve challenge, fear and struggle, says psychologist Paul Bloom The simplest theory of human nature is hedonism- - we pursue pleasure and comfort. Suffering and pain are, by their very nature, to be avoided. The spirit of this view is nicely captured in The Epic of Gilgamesh: "Let your belly be full, enjoy yourself always by day and by night! Make merry each day, dance and play day and night... For such is the destiny of men." And also by the Canadian...