Humans Should Eat to Live, Not Live to Eat

Ruel Deandra (ENTP) vs Vivia Xanthe

 

Vivia: Okay, let me just get this straight. Are we seriously here to debate whether or not humans should eat to live or live to eat? Is this really what we're doing? Because if so, then I am totally down for it. So, I'll take the pro side. I dare you to convince me otherwise.

Ruel: Alright, I'll give it a shot. Let me start by throwing a hypothetical question at you. Let's say that you had to choose between continuing to live a life of hedonistic pleasure, filled with decadence, and eventually dying in a few years from heart disease due to your poor diet. Or living decades, potentially centuries more by eating healthily, but not enjoying any of your meals. Which would you choose?

Vivia: The second option. No question. Sure, the first choice would be filled with hedonistic pleasure, but the problem is that it's temporary, and the consequences are deadly. The second choice is the obvious choice because you get to live longer and be healthier, even if you don't enjoy what you eat. So, to me, it seems like a no-brainer.

Ruel: Excellent response. But let's not leave it at that. The issue with the second option is that you're missing out on a key component of life: happiness and fulfillment. You may be healthier, but you won't be happy. You're denying yourself the opportunity to ever enjoy a good meal just to live for a little longer. But does longevity really matter if you're not enjoying your life? And besides, do you really want to die knowing that your last meal was a bland, depressing meal?

Vivia: Well, you make a good point. Quality over quantity, right? But consider this: if you're spending your life indulging in hedonistic pleasure, you're not really living a fulfilling life either. You're just chasing short-term pleasure, which will eventually lead to a sense of emptiness. So, really, both choices are flawed.

Ruel: Yes, I see where you're coming from. In the end, both choices do have their flaws. One is focused on short-term gratification, but the other is focused on prolonging life, even if that means sacrificing joy. So, it really comes down to which you find to be the more important value: living in the moment or delaying death. As for me, I'd take the first option, and you can't stop me!

Vivia: Ah, but there's one more factor you're not considering: long-term consequences. Yes, living for hedonistic pleasure may make you happy in the moment, but it's a short-term happiness with potential long-term consequences. However, if you're choosing to live a healthier life, even if it comes at the cost of short-term pleasure, you're also more likely to have longer-lasting happiness because of it.

Ruel: Ahh, good point. The first option would only provide short-term gratification but lead to potential long-term consequences. The second option, on the other hand, may sacrifice short-term pleasure for the potential of long-term happiness. But let me ask you something: how long do you think you will realistically remain happy following the second option?

Vivia: Well, let me ask YOU something: how long do you think you'll realistically remain happy following the first option? I mean, sure, it's short-term happiness, but how long will the thrill even last? Sooner or later, that hedonistic lifestyle is gonna take its toll on you. So, really, the only chance at long-lasting happiness lies within the second option.

Ruel: Ah, very good point. Following the first option does mean that I could eventually tire of that lifestyle. But you must also consider that the second option may not necessarily lead to long-lasting happiness. I mean, sure, you'll live a longer life, but is it worth enduring years of eating bland, boring meals all for the sake of having a chance at long-term happiness? Isn't the risk of a long, boring, and unhappy life a big tradeoff just for a chance at happiness?

Vivia: Ah, but here's the thing. Following the second option increases the odds of having a long, happy and healthy life because you're more likely to live longer and have a better quality of life overall. And yes, even if the meals are bland and boring, there are other sources of happiness besides food. So, I still think the second option is the better choice.

Ruel: That's true, there are other sources of happiness besides food. But, my friend, I can't help but notice that you keep saying "odds" and "more likely" when talking about the long-term benefits of the second option. It gives the impression that you're not really that confident that the second option will result in long-term happiness. Or perhaps I'm reading too much into your choice of words.

Vivia: Well, I mean, there's no guarantee that following the second option will result in long-term happiness. I'm just pointing out that the odds of having a long and happy life are higher if you choose the second option. Besides, you seem pretty confident in your choice of the first option, despite all the potential downfalls. Are you sure you're not just being stubborn?

Ruel: Ah, but what if I am? What if I'm just too stubborn to admit that the second option might be better than the first? I mean, sure, it offers the potential of increased longevity and a higher chance of long-term happiness, but let's be honest, which option really sounds more enticing?

Vivia: I don't know, Ruel. Maybe you are just being too stubborn to admit that the second option might be better than the first. But, let's be honest, which option really sounds more fulfilling? Short-term hedonistic pleasure or long-term happiness and fulfillment?

Ruel: Short-term hedonistic pleasure, hands down. Why, you ask? Well, it's simple, really. I'd rather have a guaranteed short-term happiness rather than taking a chance on long-term fulfillment. Life's too unpredictable to know what the future holds. I mean, what if the second option ends up failing? Would it have really been worth sacrificing hedonistic pleasure?

Vivia: Ah, but here's the thing. The guaranteed short-term happiness comes with the potential of long-term heartbreak, while the chance of long-term happiness comes with the potential of a much better quality of life overall. And who's to say that the first option won't fail? Maybe you'll grow tired of hedonistic pleasure and crave something deeper.

Ruel: Well, sure, you make a good point about the potential long-term heartbreak. But what's life without taking a few risks, right? Maybe I will get bored with hedonistic pleasure, but maybe I won't. Either way, I'd rather take my chances and live life to the fullest than to live with regrets.

Vivia: Really? You're willing to take that risk just for short-term pleasure? Sure, maybe you'll live it up in the moment, but what about when that moment eventually ends? Will you be able to move on from the highs of hedonistic pleasure and find satisfaction in your life? Or will you just crave that feeling again and be empty when it runs out?

Ruel: Oh, come on. It's not like I'll suddenly become addicted and crave that feeling over everything else. I mean, I'm sure that I'll know when to stop and not let it get out of hand. Besides, you don't know for certain that I won't be able to move on from it and still find satisfaction in my life.

Vivia: Oh really? You're sure that you'll know when to stop and not let the hedonistic lifestyle get out of hand? You're sure you won't get addicted to it and crave it constantly? And you're sure that you'll be able to move on from hedonistic pleasures and still find satisfaction in your life? Are you sure that's not just wishful thinking?

Ruel: Wow, you're getting really into this, huh? Well, let me ask you something. What if you're just being too cautious and are afraid of taking risks. Maybe you're afraid of living life to its fullest and enjoying all the pleasures this world has to offer. Maybe you're so afraid of what might happen and are too busy planning for the future that you're wasting the present. Are you sure that you're not just afraid?

Vivia: Oh, please. I'm not afraid of taking risks. Life is all about taking risks, but you have to weigh out the pros and cons of each one you make. And when it comes to the matter of hedonism versus longevity, I'd say the second option is the better risk to take. So, let me ask you something: are you sure that you're not just being irresponsible and neglecting the potential consequences of your actions?

Ruel: Of course I'm not being irresponsible. I know the potential consequences and am willing to accept them in exchange for living life to its fullest. I'd much rather enjoy myself now than to waste away worrying about tomorrow. So, here's a question for you. Is it really true that you're not afraid of taking risks? Or are you just trying to convince yourself?

Vivia: Oh really? You're willing to accept the consequences just for the sake of short-term hedonistic pleasure? Even though they may affect your long-term well-being? And yes, I'm not afraid of taking risks. I'll admit that I'm cautious, but I'm not afraid. And I'm certainly not afraid of a life filled with responsible decisions and the potential for long-term fulfillment.

Ruel: Oh yes, I am. Because let's be honest, I'd rather accept the consequences and be happy right now than to live a safe, boring life and waste away in regrets. And sure, living a life filled with responsible decisions and potential fulfillment sounds nice, until you remember that life itself is unpredictable. You could easily get hit by a bus tomorrow and never get to experience the future you've been planning.

Vivia: Well, I just want to point out that, while life is unpredictable, making responsible decisions can help offset some of those potential negative outcomes. And while you could easily get hit by a bus tomorrow, that doesn't mean you shouldn't plan for the future at all because that too could lead to regret if things suddenly take a turn for the worst. Final words, Ruel?

Ruel: Sure, making responsible decisions can help offset some of the potential negative outcomes of life, but let's not forget that no matter what we do, death is inevitable. While a life filled with responsible decisions may result in a greater chance for longevity, that doesn't guarantee it. In the end, there is still a chance of dying prematurely. So, my final words are: it's better to live life to the fullest than to waste it away by playing it safe.

Vivia: It was fun debating with you, Ruel. Thank you for keeping it competitive!

Ruel: Likewise. You kept it very interesting! Thank you for keeping things heated!

Vivia: Of course! I mean, the whole point of a debate is to challenge each other and keep things interesting, right? But really, I enjoyed this. It was a lot of fun.