I came across naturism and hedonism through a conversation with friends about why I am a naturist. And one of my answers was because I was feeling good naked, actually feeling even better than clothed. So the discussion went over the fact that actually naturism was a form of hedonism. Let's go over both words, as the definition in Wikipedia:
Naturism, "or nudism, is a cultural and political movement practicing, advocating and defending social nudity, most but not all of which takes place on private property. The term may also refer to a lifestyle based on personal, family and/or social nudism."
Hedonism "is a school of thought that argues that pleasure is the primary or most important intrinsic good. A hedonist strives to maximize net pleasure."
Actually, when we go a little bit deeper into the article on naturism, we find the following: "At one end of the spectrum are the nudists who just enjoy a nude life style, and at the other are the naturists, who have deeply held beliefs and see communal nudity as just one of many important principles." And this I think provides partially the answer to our question.
Some naturists are purely hedonists, just being naked for the pleasure it provides (non sexual nudity). Some naturists are social and political nudist, being naked for what it represents as a philosophy. This is why you have luxury naturists resorts, and some more rustic. That you have people wearing jewelry or tattoos, and others seeing them as opposite to the philosophy of naturism.
Actually, many naturists, but may be not all, follow the accepted definition of the International Naturist Federation: "Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment". Whether you are hedonist and are seeking to maximize your pleasure or are a nature lover and are seeking to get closer to nature by being naked, you are a naturist. Self-respect and respect are, at least for me, the most important aspects of naturism. By tagging naturists with labels like hedonism, we limit the power of naturism. Diversity is a gift of nature, the more naturists, the better. So naturists may be hedonists, but not all are. However, pleasure is an element of happiness, so if being naked makes you happy, so be it!
Get Naked, Stay Naked, Live Naked and Share the Naked Love!
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