Written by Anselm of Canterbury (1093-1109), an Italian monk, abbot, author, philosopher, and theologian who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093-1109.
We call “pleasure” all of those things that cause delight to the physical senses. And these are certainly loved and desired by all human beings. For each of the physical senses naturally strives after and yearns for those things which bring it delight or comfort. As examples of this, the sense of smell takes pleasure in sweet and rare fragrances, and the sense of taste enjoys experiencing fine flavors. Each of the other senses—sight, vision, and touch—is similarly attracted to those things which correspond to its capacities and propensities and cause it delight. The attractions to those things which delight the senses are what constitute the natural appetites of the human being. Yet such delights will not always bring delight, and such pleasures will not forever bring pleasure. For after a certain period, even those who love them most will encounter a feeling of satiety, and then boredom or revulsion. For, by their very nature, their capacity to satisfy is transitory, and they appeal to the merely animal part of our nature. Yet those pleasures which the just shall enjoy to the full in the world to come will be everlasting. They shall appeal not to the lower physical senses only but also to the higher mental and spiritual faculties. Since they are so different from our present pleasures, I cannot see how anyone can learn what the delights of heaven will really be like. For nothing that we experience here on earth could ever suffice to give us an example of their nature. The pleasures we will possess in heaven are of such a kind that the more they are experienced, the more fervently shall one desire them. For, since they are perfect in nature, they shall bring satisfaction and yet never give rise to any boredom or tedium. I believe that there is no one living, or no one who has ever lived, who would not prefer the taste and experience of these perfect heavenly delights than any earthly pleasure whatsoever!
A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom. [Proverbs 10:23]
Pathways Press.com 