We have seen how pleasure is different from happiness, yet we often use pleasure and pain as decision guides in everyday affairs. Let's examine pleasure and pain as decision guides.
Pleasure provides valuable feedback about bodily needs, but is limited as a decision guide.
Pleasure and pain are potent messages our lower brain centers use to tell us about our bodily needs. They tell us when our cells need water, food, heat, cold, oxygen, stimulation, and the like. If we ignore these messages, we will undermine our own health and ultimately our happiness. It is important to listen to our bodies. Feeling pleasure and avoiding pain are important ways we can increase our health and happiness.