More Whore

I was recently going through some old press, choosing what to include in my book proposal. I found the first print interview I did in ZINK Magazine in 2009. In which I described myself as a “More Whore.” A term I heard in a recovery meeting and quickly adopted.

No, it’s not what you’re thinking—I’m not referring to anything illicit or scandalous (well, maybe just a little). Rather, I have an insatiable appetite for more—more experiences, adventures, growth, more of everything life has to offer. Call it greed, call it curiosity, call it whatever you want, but for me, it's about embracing the abundance of life with open arms.

A born seeker, I fell in love with philosophy and comparative religion in college. I was on the hunt for a creed that best represented me and my outlook on life.  In the vast landscape of philosophical ideologies, nestled somewhere between stoic tranquility and hedonistic revelry, lies the often-overlooked philosophy of Cyrenaicism.

Their philosophy, attributed to Aristippus of Cyrene, preaches the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good, emphasizing the here and now and advocating the maximization of pleasure while minimizing pain.

So do not mistake my fervor for mere hedonism. Oh no, my dear friends, there's a nuanced sophistication to my pursuit of pleasure, a philosophical underpinning that sets me apart from the basic pleasure-seekers, for I am a disciple of Cyrenaicism, a believer in pleasure as the highest good.

A “More Whore” is not a mere metaphorical prostitute of pleasure, but an unabashed advocate for indulgence, a connoisseur of all things sensory, yours truly—a whimsical wanderer through the bazaar of life, trading in the currency of delight.

The Cyrenaics taught that pleasure should be pursued without shame or restraint yet with a keen awareness of its fleeting nature. They were the ancient Greek advocates of the power of the now, which is a theme in many ancient and modern philosophies and dogmas. Armed with this wisdom of the Cyrenaics, I navigate existence, trying to embrace each moment of joy with gusto, knowing full well that it is an ephemeral whisper in the cacophony of life.

Are there pitfalls, you may ask? Ah, fear not, for the Cyrenaic ethos provides ample guidance even in the face of adversity. Every setback is only a temporary interruption in the grand symphony of pleasure, a mere blip on the radar of life.

And so, my friends, as I hope to regale you with tales of my escapades on this Substack—whether it be sampling exotic delicacies in far-flung locales or indulging in the simple pleasure of a well-crafted pun—know that each anecdote is a testament to the Cyrenaic creed: that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, that pleasure is the guiding star in the rough seas of the human experience.

So here's to the “More Whores” of the world, to the emboldened champions of pleasure, and to those who dare to defy convention and embrace the fleeting beauty of the here and now. In the tapestry of life, insert Carole King music; it is the More Whores who weave the vibrant hues of joy, laughter, and pleasure into our hearts, minds, and memories. Living on forever.

As we part ways until next week, remember this: life is short, pleasure is fleeting, but the memories of a life well-lived are eternal. Goforth, my fellow “More Whores”, and paint the town red with the brushstrokes of pleasure and delight. After all, as the Cyrenaics would say, why settle for less when you can have more?