Hedonism is a philosophical belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and the primary goal of human life. It suggests that individuals should seek to maximize their enjoyment and minimize pain. This concept can be traced back to ancient thinkers like Aristippus and Epicurus, who emphasized the importance of sensory experiences and mental well-being. There are different forms of hedonism, including ethical hedonism, which argues that pursuing pleasure is morally right, and psychological hedonism, which posits that people are naturally inclined to seek pleasure. Critics of hedonism often argue that it can lead to selfishness or a lack of long-term fulfillment.