Self-gratification
Definition
- Date: 1677
- the act of pleasing oneself or of satisfying one's desires; especially : the satisfying of one's own sexual urges
Cross Referernce
Gratify
- Etymology - ad. F. gratifier (16th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), or L. gr{atific{a}r{i}, f. gr{a}tus pleasing, thankful
Definitions
- 1. trans. To show gratitude to (a person) in return for benefits received, esp. in a practical manner; to reward, requite. Obs.
- b. To give thanks to, be grateful to. Obs.
- 2. To make a present (usually of money) or give a gratuity to, esp. as a reward or recompense, or as a bribe; to remunerate; to fee. Also, to reward (an action, services, etc.). Now arch. and with a mixture of sense 4.
- 4. To give pleasure or satisfaction to; to please, satisfy, oblige; to do a favour to.
- b. intr. for refl. To rejoice. Obs.
- 5. To please by compliance; to give free course to; to humour, indulge, satisfy (a desire, feeling, etc.); }to comply with (a request, a command), to concede (an objection).
- 6. To render pleasing or acceptable; to grace.
Quote
While the level of intelligence has contributed considerably to the rate of cultural progress, society is essentially designed to lessen the risk element in the individual's mode of living, and it has progressed just as fast as it has succeeded in lessening pain and increasing the pleasure element in life. Thus does the whole social body push on slowly toward the goal of destiny—extinction or survival—depending on whether that goal is self-maintenance or self-gratification. Self-maintenance originates society, while excessive self-gratification destroys civilization.
Society is concerned with self-perpetuation, self-maintenance, and self-gratification, but human self-realization is worthy of becoming the immediate goal of many cultural groups.[1][2]
