English Version | Pleasure in balance

Not all hedonism has to be, or rather is, made of excesses. Let Epicurus (341 BC - 270 BC) say so, Greek philosopher of the Hellenic period who defended the pursuit of pleasure, yes, but of moderate pleasures. It is tranquility and the absence of fear and pain, achieved through knowing how the world works and setting limits to desires in order not to fall into addictions, which brings the highest form of happiness, according to this movement. In Epicurean hedonism, therefore, serenity, balance, moderation are upheld. A state of fullness that is constant, with a tempered intensity, in an ataraxia that may seem like apathy, but which is actually just such a placidity that there is no pleasure that can resist it. And isn't being at peace also the height of hedonism, especially nowadays? Photography by Oliver Beckmann. Styling by Elke Dostal.

Originally translated from Vogue Portugal's The Pleasure Issue, published may 2023.Full stories and credits on the print issue.