Popular Culture Review
130
Spontaneous presentations: the sensuous pleasures are derived
from any sensory experience that we find to be gratifying in
and by itself. Of these pleasures, quenching our sexual and
stomachical appetites are paramount on the list of human
preoccupations.
Interactive presentations: the adventurous pleasures are the
experiences of sheer enjoyment we receive from exploring the
unknown: revelation, novelties.
Proactive presentations: the mission-oriented pleasures are
evoked by the thrill of the chase. Among the most ancient
human missions was surely the hunt. There is accomplishment
in the attainment of some objective, such as in a game where
there is a well-defined goal.
Representation:
Spontaneous representations: the imaginary pleasures emanate
from the realm of fantasy. The theatre of the imagination plays
a pivotal role in the human psyche.
Interactive representations: the communicative pleasures are
derived from all facets of shared experience. Through the
symbolic means of language, be it written, spoken, or signed:
brainstorming, gossiping, and other freestyle forms of
conversation, the Confession. Communication can also be
carried out through touch and action. The lover’s kiss and
caress are often more than just sensual delights, but also
explicit expressions of affection.
Proactive representations: the speculative pleasures emerge
from predictions about the future. The keen ability of the
human mind to model reality naturally entices us to
contemplate what-if scenarios as a prelude to decision making.
The institutions of investing and gambling allow us to place
stakes on how precisely the outcomes of real events conform
to our expectations. Winning many kinds of games in general
often depends upon how good we are at outguessing our
opponents. Speculation also facilitates the advancement of
knowledge, since by doing so we lay the initial groundwork
for discovery. There also exists a great human fascination with
prognostication even when the methods employed are known
to be dubious (such as astrology and other forms of fortune
telling).