Enjoyment Without Regret?

Question

A famous actress reportedly said, “I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done as long as I enjoyed it at the time.” What does Judaism say about this philosophy of life?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Enjoyment of life is important in Judaism. We were created in a world of tremendous beauty and opportunity to enjoy this beauty. The beauty of nature, physical beauty, and vast physical and other pleasures are ours for the taking.

    However, at the same time, we are taught in Judaism to live according to ethical and moral monotheistic values as taught in the Torah. There is a concept of “right and wrong” and we have free-will to choose that which is right and ethical.

    For example, there are enjoyments of wealth, exquisite food and the company of friends and family. But is it ethical to build such wealth through questionable methods? To partake in tasty “delicious and nutritious” feasts without recognition of how it came into being for our benefit? And social and interpersonal relations need rules. May I enjoy telling a joke that hurts another’s feelings because it makes me feel good?

    Enjoyment is good. But enjoyment in a correct framework is better. Judaism teaches what is right and what is wrong. Enjoyment that is right is good. Enjoyment that is wrong is not good and is regrettable. Therefore I would revise the above quotation to say, “I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done as long as I enjoyed it at the time and it was also ethical.”

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team