Most Pleasurable Things a Human Can Experience

Summary

This script explores the multifaceted nature of human pleasure, delving into the brain's reward system and neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. It distinguishes between hedonic and eudaimonic pleasures and highlights the complex interplay of pain and pleasure. From the intense joy of an orgasm to the simple satisfaction of a delicious meal, the script underscores the diverse sources of pleasure and the importance of appreciating life's moments of bliss.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Pleasure is a complex experience involving more than just dopamine; it's a multifaceted neurological phenomenon.
• 💉 Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to the brain's reward system but is not the sole contributor to pleasure and happiness.
• 🌅 Pleasurable experiences can be derived from a variety of sources, including sensory input, achievements, social interactions, and physical intimacy.
• 🏆 Neuroscientist Dean Burnett emphasizes that dopamine's role is often overstated and that the science of pleasure extends beyond it.
• 🤝 Social interactions and physical intimacy release oxytocin, known as 'the love hormone,' which contributes to the experience of pleasure.
• 🎶 Listening to music, enjoying food, and other sensory experiences can trigger the release of neurotransmitters associated with pleasure.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Endorphins, produced by the body during intense exercise, can create a 'runner's high' and contribute to the feeling of pleasure.
• 💊 Certain drugs, like levodopa for Parkinson's, increase dopamine levels but do not directly enhance pleasure or happiness.
• 🧘‍♂️ The experience of pleasure involves various brain regions, including the orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and ventral pallidum.
• 💑 Pleasure can be categorized into hedonic (immediate sensory pleasure) and eudaimonic (long-term, meaningful experiences).
• 🤔 The relationship between pain and pleasure is intricate, with some individuals finding pleasure in activities that involve an element of pain or discomfort.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script from the Infographics Show?

The main focus of the video script is to explore the concept of pleasure in human experiences, discussing its neurological basis, the role of various neurotransmitters, and different types of pleasure.

Why did the script mention that pleasure is a 'slippery' concept?

The script mentions pleasure as a 'slippery' concept because it is more subjective and difficult to define compared to pain, which is straightforward when something hurts.

What role does dopamine play in the experience of pleasure?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that operates as part of the brain's reward system, and it is released as a result of exposure to pleasurable stimuli, contributing to feelings of pleasure and happiness.

According to the script, what are some misconceptions about dopamine's role in pleasure?

The misconception is that dopamine is solely responsible for happiness and pleasure, when in reality, it is just one part of a complex neurological process involving other neurotransmitters and brain regions.

What are some other neurotransmitters mentioned in the script that contribute to the experience of pleasure?

Other neurotransmitters mentioned include endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which play various roles in the experience of pleasure.

How does the script differentiate between hedonic and eudaimonic pleasure?

Hedonic pleasure is immediate and sensory, involving stages of wanting, liking, and learning. Eudaimonic pleasure, on the other hand, is derived from meaningful activities and experiences that may not be pleasurable in the moment but are rewarding in retrospect.

What is the significance of the 'reward pathway' in the brain regarding pleasure?

The 'reward pathway' in the brain, where dopamine is the main neurotransmitter, is significant because it is activated during pleasurable experiences, contributing to the feeling of pleasure and reinforcing behaviors that lead to such experiences.

What are some examples of pleasurable experiences mentioned in the script?

Examples of pleasurable experiences include eating a gourmet meal, watching a sunset, ranking up in a game, achieving success in various areas of life, and sexual activities such as orgasms.

How does the script describe the relationship between pain and pleasure?

The script describes pain and pleasure as closely linked, where experiencing discomfort or pain can heighten the sense of pleasure when it is followed by relief or a pleasurable experience.

What is the concept of 'benign masochism' as discussed in the script?

'Benign masochism' refers to the enjoyment of pain that a person knows will not cause any real lasting damage, such as eating spicy food, engaging in extreme physical exercise, or participating in activities like sadomasochism within safe boundaries.

How does the script relate the experience of an orgasm to the brain's reward system?

The script relates the experience of an orgasm to the brain's reward system by explaining that orgasms involve the release of 'feel-good' chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which are part of the reward pathway and contribute to the intense pleasure felt during orgasm.

What are some of the sources of pleasure that the script suggests are universally relatable?

Some universally relatable sources of pleasure suggested by the script include taking off a bra at the end of a long day, climbing into a freshly made bed, stretching to release muscle tension, and snuggling a furry animal.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 The Neuroscience of Pleasure

This paragraph delves into the complex nature of pleasure, contrasting it with pain and exploring its neurological underpinnings. Pleasure is multifaceted, arising from sensory inputs, achievements, and social interactions. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is often associated with pleasure due to its role in the brain's reward system, but it's not the sole contributor. Other neurotransmitters like Endorphins, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Glutamate also play significant roles. The 'reward pathway' in the brain, involving areas like the orbitofrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, is key to experiencing pleasure. The paragraph emphasizes that pleasure is subjective and involves more than just dopamine, highlighting the intricate interplay of various brain chemicals and regions.

05:00

🍫 Hedonic and Eudaimonic Pleasures

The second paragraph discusses the two major categories of pleasure as defined by Dr. Marianna Pogosyan: hedonic and eudaimonic. Hedonic pleasure is immediate and sensory, involving a three-stage process of wanting, liking, and learning, exemplified by the anticipation and enjoyment of gourmet chocolate. Eudaimonic pleasure, on the other hand, is derived from meaningful activities that may not be pleasurable in the moment but provide satisfaction in retrospect. The paragraph also touches on the intense pleasure of sexual climax or orgasm, detailing the physiological and chemical reactions that occur during this experience, and the various types of orgasms a person can have.

10:01

🔥 The Paradox of Pain and Pleasure

This paragraph explores the intriguing relationship between pain and pleasure, demonstrating how they can be intertwined. It cites studies that show experiencing discomfort or pain can actually enhance the perception of pleasure, as the brain's reward pathway is activated. The 'hedonic flip' concept is introduced, where the expectation of worse pain can turn moderate pain into a pleasurable relief. The paragraph also covers the idea of 'benign masochism,' where individuals derive pleasure from experiences that involve a controlled amount of pain, such as spicy food, intense exercise, and certain erotic practices. The release of endorphins during these activities is highlighted as a key factor in converting pain into pleasure.

15:04

🌍 A World of Pleasurable Experiences

The final paragraph compiles various sources to present a diverse array of pleasurable experiences that humans can enjoy. It references lists from Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, along with personal anecdotes from psychologists and a Reddit thread, to illustrate the wide range of activities and moments that can bring joy. From simple everyday pleasures like stretching or sleeping in, to profound experiences like love or accomplishment, the paragraph emphasizes that pleasure is abundant and varied. It concludes with a reminder that despite the world's pains, there is an equally vast potential for pleasure, urging individuals to seek and appreciate these moments.

Keywords

💡Pleasure

Pleasure is a broad term encompassing a range of positive and enjoyable experiences. In the video, it is explored as a complex neurological and psychological phenomenon, not limited to physical sensations but also including emotional and mental states. Pleasure is central to the video's theme, as it delves into the various ways humans can experience it, from sensory input to the release of certain neurotransmitters.

💡Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward system. It is often cited as a key chemical in experiencing pleasure, as it is released in response to pleasurable stimuli. The script clarifies that while dopamine is important, it is not the sole contributor to pleasure, challenging the common oversimplification of its role.

💡Endorphins

Endorphins are natural opioid neuropeptides that contribute to feelings of pleasure and pain relief. The script mentions endorphins as part of the body's reward pathway, highlighting their role in creating euphoric feelings and managing pain, thus showing the interconnectedness of pain and pleasure.

💡Oxytocin

Oxytocin, referred to as 'the love hormone' in the script, is a neuropeptide released during social bonding, sexual activity, and other intimate interactions. It plays a role in the experience of pleasure by facilitating trust and emotional connection, underscoring the social and emotional aspects of pleasure beyond mere physical sensations.

💡Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood and is targeted by SSRI antidepressants. While it does not directly cause pleasure, it helps in better experiencing happiness and pleasure that are already occurring. The script uses serotonin to illustrate the complex neurochemical basis of pleasure.

💡Glutamate

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter responsible for activating the reward pathway in the brain. The script briefly mentions glutamate, indicating that multiple neurotransmitters are involved in the experience of pleasure, not just dopamine.

💡GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and stress by inhibiting neural areas like the amygdala. The script positions GABA as part of the brain's pleasure response, showing that pleasure is also about the absence of negative states.

💡Orbitofrontal Cortex

The orbitofrontal cortex is a part of the brain involved in the experience of pleasure, located behind the eyes. The script identifies it as one of the brain regions that work together to process pleasurable experiences, emphasizing the neurological aspect of pleasure.

💡Nucleus Accumbens

The nucleus accumbens is a region of the brain central to the reward system and pleasure. It is mentioned in the script as part of the brain's response to pleasurable stimuli, highlighting its role in the 'reward pathway'.

💡Hedonic Pleasure

Hedonic pleasure, as described by Dr. Marianna Pogosyan in the script, involves immediate sensory pleasure and is broken down into stages of wanting, liking, and learning. The script uses the example of eating gourmet chocolate to illustrate this type of pleasure, emphasizing the subjective and sensory aspects of pleasure.

💡Eudaimonic Pleasure

Eudaimonic pleasure is a form of pleasure derived from meaningful activities that may not be pleasurable in the moment but are rewarding in retrospect. The script contrasts this with hedonic pleasure, suggesting a deeper, more fulfilling type of pleasure that comes from personal growth and contribution to others.

Highlights

The show discusses the most pleasurable human experiences, contrasting with previous coverage on pain.

Pleasure is defined as a complex concept involving more than just dopamine.

Dopamine's role in the brain's reward system and its impact on various functions is explained.

The limitations of dopamine as the sole indicator of pleasure are highlighted.

Dean Burnett's essay emphasizes the multifaceted nature of pleasure beyond dopamine.

The 'reward pathway' in the brain and its relation to dopamine are described.

The drug levodopa's effect on dopamine and its lack of influence on pleasure is noted.

Endorphins and their role in pain management and pleasure are discussed.

Oxytocin, known as 'the love hormone,' is identified as a key component in social and intimate interactions.

Serotonin's indirect contribution to experiencing happiness and pleasure is explained.

Glutamate and GABA's roles in activating and inhibiting the reward pathway are covered.

The brain regions involved in experiencing pleasure are identified.

Dr. Marianna Pogosyan differentiates between hedonic and eudaimonic pleasure.

The stages of hedonic pleasure - wanting, liking, and learning - are outlined.

The orgasm is described as one of the most pleasurable human experiences.

Types of orgasms and their physiological effects are detailed.

The relationship between pain and pleasure, and the concept of 'benign masochism,' is explored.

The 'runner's high' and its neurochemical basis are explained.

The psychological and physiological effects of 'pleasant pain' are discussed.

The subjective nature of pleasure and its infinite sources are emphasized.

Lists from Cosmopolitan and The Huffington Post highlight various non-sexual pleasures.

Dr. Marty Nemko's compilation of pleasurable experiences from various sources is mentioned.

Reddit users share personal accounts of their greatest pleasures, illustrating the diversity of pleasurable experiences.

Transcripts

We've covered a lot of disturbing, distressing  subjects here on the Infographics Show. After  

all of that, we think we deserve a bit of  a break. Previously, we covered the most  

painful things a human can experience. Kidney  stones, childbirth, broken femurs. Ouch! Well,  

today, we're flipping the script. Life is full  of pain, but it's also full of pleasure. Eating  

an expensive meal, watching a sunset, ranking up  in your favorite game- there's so much to enjoy.  

Today, we're taking a look at some of the most  pleasurable things that a human can experience.

Pain is easy to define. If something hurts,  then it hurts. But pleasure as a concept is a  

bit more slippery. Don't make it dirty;  we'll be heading there later. For now,  

it's important that we define how pleasure  works and what exactly is happening in the  

brain when we experience it. Pleasure can  be derived from a wide variety of things:  

pleasant sensory input like tastes,  textures, sights, and sounds,  

artificial chemical changes caused by taking  drugs, achieving success in school, athletics,  

or your career, making positive change in  your community, and, yes, sex and orgasm.

When we talk about pleasure, the name on  everyone's lips tends to be Dopamine. Dopamine  

is a neurotransmitter that operates as part of  the brain's reward system, and we experience a  

rush of it as a result of exposure to pleasurable  stimuli. Dopamine also plays a role in sleep,  

pain processing, learning, and a variety of  other vital functions. A lack of Dopamine  

can contribute to depression as well as a lack  of motivation and concentration. But contrary  

to what many people believe, Dopamine is not the  only vital ingredient when it comes to pleasure.  

The neuroscience of pleasure is still up for  debate, as it can be extremely subjective and  

difficult to trace. But what we do know is that  there is more to the story than just Dopamine.

Neuroscientist Dean Burnett broke down this  single-minded obsession with Dopamine in his  

essay, "The fascinating science of pleasure  goes way beyond dopamine." He explains that,  

"If you were to go solely by the context in which  dopamine is mentioned in much of modern culture,  

you’d be forgiven for concluding that it  has just one fundamental, very specific,  

function in the human brain – producing happiness  

and pleasure." This may be partially  true, but it is not the whole truth.

Human beings are able to experience pleasure  due to the "reward pathway" within the brain.  

This is where Dopamine comes in, as it is  the main neurotransmitter involved in the  

reward pathway. However, that doesn't mean  that the key to experiencing more pleasure  

and happiness is as simple increase in dopamine.  For example, the drug that treats Parkinson's,  

commonly known as levodopa, is a drug that  increases the availability of Dopamine in  

the brain. However taking the drug does not  cause an increase in pleasure or happiness,  

only a decrease in Parkinson's  symptoms. As Burnett puts it,  

"You could say that dopamine is to  happiness what petrol is to a car;  

it’s an integral part of making it work, but if  you were to literally fill your car with petrol,  

to the point where it’s leaking out the  windows, that wouldn’t help anyone."

When it comes to experiencing happiness and  pleasure, there is a lot more at play in the human  

brain than just dopamine. There are Endorphins,  endogenous opioid neuropeptides produced by the  

central nervous system and the pituitary gland.  These chemicals, as well as artificial versions  

of them (found in the opiate class of drug),  both stimulate activity in the reward pathway,  

triggering a euphoric feeling. This doesn't  just make someone feel happy, but is also part  

of how the body manages or reduces feelings  of pain. Another vital hormonal ingredient  

in the cranial soup that is the experience of  pleasure is Oxytocin, a neuropeptide sometimes  

referred to as "the love hormone." Oxytocin is  released during positive social interactions,  

as well as during sexual activity or other forms  of physical intimacy. Then there's Serotonin, the  

neurotransmitter that a class of antidepressants  known as SSRIs affect the absorption of. Serotonin  

doesn't necessarily cause pleasure or happiness,  though; it mostly allows us to better experience  

the happiness and pleasure that are already  occurring naturally. There is also glutamate,  

a neurotransmitter responsible for activating  the reward pathway. One of the other important  

neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric  acid, or GABA, which works to inhibit  

neural areas involved in experiencing  anxiety and stress, such as the amygdala.

The parts of the brain that work  together to experience pleasure  

include the orbitofrontal cortex (the  part of the brain behind the eyeballs),  

the nucleus accumbens, and the ventral pallidum. All of these ingredients and parts work together,  

and there is no single golden ticket to  maximizing the experience of pleasure  

when it comes to brain chemistry. And just  as there is no single chemical linked to  

the experience of pleasure, there is also  not just one kind of pleasure that humans  

can experience. Dr. Marianna Pogosyan of  Psychology Today breaks pleasure down into  

two major categories: hedonic and eudaimonic.  Hedonic pleasure is more easily recognizable,  

often involving immediately pleasant  sensory input. This experience of  

pleasure is broken down by Dr. Pogosyan into  three stages: wanting, liking, and learning.

For example, let's use a piece of gourmet  chocolate. In the wanting stage, you might  

be building up a sense of anticipation around the  chocolate, thinking about when you might get to  

have it and how delicious it will be. Eventually,  the want becomes so strong that you move into the  

next stage. You pull it out of the box, unwrap it,  and enjoy the appearance, the smell, and then the  

taste. This is the liking stage. After finishing  the chocolate and feeling satisfied with the  

experience of eating it, you enter the learning  stage. The expectation of enjoyment was met,  

and the cycle of pleasure has ended, leaving  you to get on with your day feeling satisfied.

Hedonic pleasure is the one most people think  of when they think of pleasure. After all,  

it comes from the same root as Hedonism,  a philosophy built around the practice  

of maximizing pleasure. But there is also  eudaimonic pleasure. When one participates  

in activities that engage in community, cause  positive change, and in general feel meaningful.  

These may not be pleasurable in the moment,  but cause pleasurable feelings in hindsight,  

while looking back on the experience and  the meaning that it held. Though this kind  

of pleasure is harder to measure as  it doesn’t immediately materialize,  

it still involves the same parts of the  brain and travels along the reward pathway.

Now that we have a better understanding of  what exactly pleasure is, let's get down  

to business. It's impossible to talk about the  most pleasurable things a human can experience  

without talking about one specific thing.  To quote seminal hip hop duo Salt n Pepa:  

Let's talk about sex. It's how we all got here,  it's the drive behind dozens of human behaviors,  

from speed dating to buying a stranger a drink,  and is the source of what is commonly regarded as  

the most pleasurable thing a human can experience:  the orgasm. Whether with a partner or flying solo,  

most sources agree that an orgasm, or sexual  climax is one of the best feelings out there.

Just in case you weren't aware, an orgasm  occurs after the stimulation of the genitals,  

or in some cases, other erogenous zones. More  on that later. When a person reaches orgasm,  

they experience a rush of sexual pleasure and a  release of tension that can be incredibly intense,  

and can spread through the entire body. It is  the third stage in the sexual response cycle,  

coming (no pun intended) after desire (or  libido) and excitement (or arousal). During  

these first two stages, tension builds  in the body which is then released during  

orgasm. This release is accompanied by muscle  contractions, elevated heart rate and breathing,  

and the release of dopamine and oxytocin.  These "feel-good" chemicals flood the brain as  

pleasant physical sensations flood the body,  combining to make one hell of a good time.

There are several types of orgasms that a person  can experience. Healthline breaks the sought-after  

sensation down into six types: clitoral, vaginal,  anal, blended, erogenous, and convulsing. Clitoral  

orgasms are, as you might have guessed, caused  by the stimulation of the clitoris. The clitoris  

contains, on average, 10,281 nerve fibers and  is the most sensitive body part found in humans,  

as well as the easiest way for people with vulvas  to achieve orgasm. Vaginal orgasms are thought to  

be achieved through the stimulation of the G  spot, a spot located along the vaginal wall  

about two inches deep. They are characterized  by the pulsation of the vaginal walls. Anal  

orgasms are usually caused by the stimulation  of the prostate, and involve the contraction of  

the muscles in the anal canal and around the anal  sphincter. Blended orgasms are regarded as one of  

the most intensely pleasurable sensations. Caused  by the simultaneous stimulation of the vagina and  

clitoris, these often result in full-body tremors.  They are similar in nature to convulsing orgasms,  

which involve the convulsion of the pelvic  floor muscles and can be caused by a session  

of edging (or repeatedly getting close  to orgasm without going over the edge).

As for erogenous orgasms, they are caused  by the stimulation of non-genital erogenous  

zones. These can include the ears, nipples,  neck, and even the elbows and knees. Kneegasms  

are a thing for some people. Who knew? Well,  the people who can have kneegasms, probably.

As you can probably guess, orgasms are pretty  popular. There's a lot that people are willing  

to put themselves through to chase that bliss,  including undergoing medical procedures. Warning:  

if the idea of needles going into genitals freaks  you out, you may want to plug your ears for this  

next bit. There are two injection-based  treatments used to supposedly increase  

sexual pleasure and sensation for people with  vaginas: The O-Shot, and the G-Shot. The O-Shot,  

also known as the Orgasm Shot, takes  Platelet Rich Plasma from a patient's blood,  

then injects it...directly into the clitoris,  and inside of the vagina. This is intended to  

improve sensation, arousal, and make it easier  to have a vaginal orgasm. The G-Shot is similar,  

but involves the injection of  hyaluronic acid into the G-Spot.

Ouch! That sounds like a lot of pain to go  through for pleasure. Well, as it turns out,  

pain and pleasure are very closely linked (and  not just in some highly specialized venues with  

lots of leather furniture). Paul Bloom explored  this relationship between pleasure and pain in a  

2021 article for Behavioral Scientist. He wrote,  "We sometimes play with pain in order to maximize  

the contrast with future experience, so as to  generate future pleasure. We engineer experiences  

in which the rush associated with the period  immediately after pain’s release is powerful  

enough to outweigh the negative of the original  pain. And so the bite of a hot bath is worth it  

because of the blissful contentment that comes  when the temperature is just right; the mouth burn  

of hot curry is pleasurable because of the shock  of relief when you guzzle down some cool beer."

According to laboratory studies conducted  by the University of Melbourne and the  

University of Queensland, experiencing  discomfort or pain before being exposed  

to something pleasurable increases the feelings  of pleasure in the test subject. For example,  

subjects had one of their hands placed into  freezing water, a decidedly unpleasant experience  

that can border on painful. After experiencing  that extreme cold, the test subject reported  

that chocolate tasted better. Context also  can inform the relationship between pain  

and pleasure. Norwegian neuroscientist Siri Leknes  and colleagues published the results of a clinical  

trial entitled, "The importance of context:  when relative relief renders pain pleasant."

In this study, researchers attempted  to measure the difference that context  

can make when it comes to perceiving pain and  pleasure. 16 healthy volunteers were selected  

and exposed to moderate pain in two different  contexts, all while their hedonic feelings,  

skin conductance, and brain activation patterns  were measured. The two contexts were "relative  

relief," and "control." In the control context,  the worst possible outcome that the test subject  

could experience was moderate pain. In this  case, when the subject experienced that pain,  

there was a negative hedonic response. But in  the other context, the worst possible outcome  

was intense pain. Therefore, when the subject  experienced moderate or mild pain instead,  

there was a positive hedonic response. This  adjustment of context resulted in what the  

study's abstract calls a "hedonic flip." Pain  became relief, because the expectation was that  

the pain could have been a lot worse. In its  own way, pain became pleasant. The experience  

of this "pleasant pain" was characterized  by increased activity in the reward pathway,  

as well as in the medial orbitofrontal  and ventromedial prefrontal cortices.

Basically, according to this study, if you expect  the worst, and something only mildly bad happens,  

the resulting relief turns that pain into  pleasure. But for some individuals, pain itself  

can be pleasurable. For example, people enjoy  food so spicy it makes them cry, extreme physical  

exercise that puts their body through incredible  strain, tattoos, piercings, and sadomasochism.  

Well, just as pleasure causes the brain to  release endorphins, pain does the same thing.

You're probably familiar with the concept of a  "runner's high." Maybe you've experienced it for  

yourself, the rush of euphoria that hits a little  bit into a grueling run. Well, it isn't a product  

of your imagination. It’s backed by scientific  studies. Running, and other kinds of vigorous  

exercise release lactic acid, which activates  pain receptors in the runner's muscles. You know  

how fitness instructors are always saying to "feel  the burn?" That's the burn they're talking about.  

As those pain receptors activate, the muscles  start to burn. Then, the hippocampus pitches in,  

triggering the production of endorphins, which  bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and  

stop the pain in its tracks. These endorphins  also stimulate the same parts of the brain  

activated by sex and listening to music. Zaria  Gorvett of the BBC compares the ensuing rush of  

euphoria to the kind of high experienced  by someone on morphine, or even heroin.

This isn't the only drug-like chemical  released during painfully intense exercise,  

either. Gorvett writes that taking part  in this kind of physical activity causes  

"a spike in another of the body’s painkillers,  anandamide. Known as the ‘bliss chemical,’ it  

binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain  to block pain signals and induce the warm,  

fuzzy pleasure emulated by marijuana,  which binds to the same receptors."

This pursuit of painful but pleasurable  experiences is known as "benign masochism,"  

or the enjoyment of pain that a person knows will  

not cause any real lasting damage. This  can apply to the enjoyment of spicy foods,  

which is an indulgence unique to human beings  as animals are unable to distinguish between  

the burning sensation of spicy food and  actual physical harm. Another example  

is that aforementioned sadomasochism. From  the Marquis de Sade to Fifty Shades of Grey,  

there is a long history of eroticism that  blurs the line between pleasure and pain.

Gorvett spoke with a professional sadist  by the name of Mistress Alexandra,  

who weighed in on the subject: “We make  a difference between good pain and bad  

pain. Bad pain indicates that something  is not right, something we have to pay  

instant attention to. Then there’s good  pain which is enjoyable. For example,  

when the shoulder starts pulling during bondage,  that’s potentially unsafe so we release it.” When  

the pain crosses the line from recreational to  damaging, then the masochism ceases to be benign.

But enough about sex, we've already established  that orgasm is one of the most pleasurable things  

a human can experience. What are some of  the others? As it turns out, eating a good,  

satisfying meal is one of the most powerful  simple pleasures out there. For example,  

cheese has been noted to trigger the  release of Dopamine in the brain,  

and chocolate is linked to the release  of serotonin. Listening to a piece of  

beautiful music lights up the same parts of  the brain connected to sex and food as well.

As mentioned before, pleasure can be highly  subjective, but there are so many sources of  

it in the world. With infinite ways  to feel good, what are the best?

According to Cosmopolitan's "The  18 Best Feelings in the World,"  

some of the most pleasant feelings  humanity can experience include:

Taking off a bra at the end of a long day.  Climbing into a freshly made bed with clean,  

soft sheets. Stretching, releasing the tensions  from your muscles. Snuggling a furry, cute animal,  

triggering a release of dopamine with their  fluffy little face. Finishing a difficult  

workout. Sitting on the beach and feeling the  sand between your toes. Sleeping in as long as  

you want to on a day off and wrapping up  in warm blankets when it's cold outside.

Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright of The Huffington Post  put together a list of her own, highlighting  

the sweetest non-orgasmic pleasures that life has  to offer. She lists "Non-stop laughing, a child's  

hug, quenching a thirst...sinking into a warm bath  after being out in the bitter cold... receiving  

some unexpected financial help...feeling your  partner from head to toe, skin-on-skin...learning  

that the person you're in love with loves  you too," and "accomplishing something huge."

Back over at Psychology Today, Dr. Marty Nemko  assembled a list of pleasures accumulated from  

reviewing over 20 lists across the internet  and other publications. Infatuation was one,  

the powerful combination of dopamine and oxytocin  mixed with the rush of excitement that accompanies  

a new crush. Watching a big game was another;  the thrill of enjoying a sport- especially  

when your favorite team wins, was ranked up  there as one of the best feelings you can  

experience. Spending time with a good friend,  whether that's going out for a night on the  

town or just sitting and enjoying each other's  company. Travel is another popular pleasure,  

the joy of getting away from it all  and setting foot in a new place.

Being productive and accomplishing a goal  also provides a sense of deep satisfaction,  

and that eudaimonic pleasure we talked about  earlier. Other pleasurable experiences are  

derived from art, such as watching a movie or  reading a book, getting lost in a fictional world,  

and allowing a story to sweep you away. Then  there are nonsexual but still physical pleasures,  

like a lovely deep-tissue massage that kneads  all of the stress and tension out of the body.

Dr. Nemko also included some of  his personal favorite pleasures,  

which you just might find relatable.  For example, "The first sip of a cup of  

coffee in the morning along with a warm,  flaky, croissant." As Dr. Nemko put it,  

"Indeed the first taste of most things often feels  the best. Think of your favorite food or drink.  

Isn't the first taste the best? Do you savor it  enough or too eagerly push on to the rest of it?"

He also lists the experience of spending time with  his dog, Einstein. "Taking a hike with Einstein as  

a reward for my having done a few hours of good  work. Few multitaskings can be as rewarding:  

I get my exercise. Einstein gets his. He gets  to relieve himself. I get to appreciate nature,  

and when I tire of that, I get private,  undistracted time to ponder a problem."

Another personal pleasure he included  is "Planting seeds and watching them  

grow. The word "awesome' is cheaply tossed around.  

It should be reserved for activities  like watching the miracle of growth."

We've looked at the science, at the  popular magazines and the personal  

anecdotes from psychologists, but what do  the masses say? Let's take a look at Reddit,  

where the internet goes to bare its soul, no  matter how weird it gets. An Askreddit thread  

from 2021 asked "What was the greatest pleasure  you ever felt?" The responses varied greatly,  

many of them have an element we can all relate  to. "The moment my sister came home from the  

hospital." "Lucid dreaming, and flying in  said dream." "Watching people enjoy food I  

cooked." "The shower and bed after camping for  4 days." "When school's cancelled for the day,  

and you're half-asleep and overhear your  mother tell your sister not to wake you  

up because school's out." "Hearing "I love  you" for the first time, unconditionally."

There is a lot of pain to experience in this  world. It sometimes seems like there are endless  

ways to be hurt, from illness and injury to  torture and abuse. But there is also so much joy,  

so much pleasure. If looking into the most  pleasurable things a human can experience  

has made anything clear, it's this: there are  infinite things that can bring pleasure into  

your life, from enormously meaningful acts  of charity or life-changing accomplishments,  

to something as simple as a piece  of chocolate or a kiss from the one  

you love. Pleasure is everywhere. You  only have to stop and pay attention.