Wonder, Eroticism, and Enigma

615 Words3 Pages
Joshua Jones PHL 340 Professor Osman May 9, 2013 “Wonder, eroticism, and Enigma” In his essay Paul Ricoeur starts out discussing eroticism and its ambiguous meanings. He states that “one of the components of human sexuality, its instinctual and sensual component.” (pp. 207) Meaning that it is built into us from the start. He also says that it can “designate the art of loving built upon the cultivation of sexual pleasure.” He says it’s not a problem as long as mutual gratification wins over egoism and narcissism. Once individuals care only about themselves, then eroticism become a restless desire for pleasure. This is because there is a disconnect from the desire to have a lasting, intense, and intimate bond with someone else. I would have to agree with Ricoeur’s analysis here; he is laying out the idea that when eroticism is hand cuffed with other aspects of a healthy relationship it can become a sensual component of sexuality, as long as it is not the dominant force in the relationship. When eroticism is the main goal of an individual “an egoistic cultivation of pleasure wins over mutual exchange.” (pp.207) I believe this is a major reason for our divorce rate in America. People are more concerned with their own pleasures and therefore succumb to the egoistic cultivation of eroticism. Instead of caring about your partners needs you are content with your own satisfaction. In doing this we have disconnected ourselves form the building blocks of a strong relationship. And when eroticism is the only force keeping an individual interested he or she will eventually become bored and need to move on to fulfill their desire for pleasure. Next he discusses the lost value of eroticism. We use to have to use our imaginations to become aroused, but with integration of the sexes in every aspect of life we are constantly around each other. We don’t need to use our
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