Asceticism vs. Hedonism — What's the Difference?

Asceticism (; from the Greek: ἄσκησις, romanized: áskesis, lit. 'exercise', 'training') is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their practices or continue to be part of their society, but typically adopt a frugal lifestyle, characterised by the renunciation of material possessions and physical pleasures, and also spend time fasting while concentrating on the practice of religion or reflection upon spiritual matters.

The pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

Severe self-discipline and avoiding of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

Hedonism refers to a family of theories, all of which have in common that pleasure plays a central role in them. Psychological or motivational hedonism claims that our behavior is determined by desires to increase pleasure and to decrease pain.

The principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.

Pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses.

The doctrine that the ascetic life releases the soul from bondage to the body and permits union with the divine.

(Philosophy) The ethical doctrine holding that only what is pleasant or has pleasant consequences is intrinsically good.

The principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.

(Psychology) The doctrine holding that behavior is motivated by the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain.

The condition, practice, or mode of life, of ascetics.

The belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good in life. Some hedonists, such as the Epicureans, have insisted that pleasure of the entire mind, not just pleasure of the senses, is the highest good.

The doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state

(countable) A general devotion to the pursuit of pleasure.

The trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

The doctrine of the Hedonic sect; the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle.

Rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint

The ethical theory which finds the explanation and authority of duty in its tendency to give pleasure.

The pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle

An ethical system that evaluates the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good