Reasonable Pleasures

By James V. Schall

Book Description

In a world that often treats reason and pleasure as opposing forces, philosopher James V. Schall invites readers to discover their profound harmony. This thoughtful exploration challenges the modern assumption that faith, intellect, and joy exist in separate realms of human experience.

Schall examines why we naturally seek activities that bring us delight—laughter, movement, music, and dance—while questioning whether these impulses align with our deeper search for meaning. Rather than viewing religious faith as disconnected from everyday pleasures, he demonstrates how Catholic revelation offers a framework where reason and enjoyment complement rather than compete with each other.

The author addresses a contemporary skepticism that dismisses religious insight as irrelevant to authentic living. Through careful analysis, he reveals how viewing existence through the lens of meaning and divine order creates unexpected connections that should naturally inspire joy. This perspective transforms our understanding of both intellectual pursuit and sensory experience.

Schall's work offers readers a path toward integration, showing how the life of the mind can itself become a source of pleasure, while our capacity for enjoyment reflects deeper truths about human nature and divine design. For those seeking to reconcile their spiritual convictions with their natural desire for happiness, this book presents a compelling case that reason, faith, and pleasure form a coherent whole that enriches rather than diminishes human flourishing.