Years ago I read Technologies of the Self by Foucault. How strange to read such a philosopher at a time when you’ve barely lived. My takeaway from one particular essay was that we always feel better about ourselves when we sacrifice our desires. I thought then as I think now, Why can’t we allow ourselves to enjoy simple moments of pleasure, and accept them for that? There’s so little in this world that brings joy. We should embrace the rare times we come across it. Instead, we give in and feel badly, like a birthday hangover from too much cake.