He examines his wallet, safe-deposit box, slaps his tigh, and goes off - the future well taken care of, the present pure self-indulgence.
Is the cheapening an indictment of the present or an indulgence?
Activities that don't make a profit are presented as laughable indulgences.
The first third of a nearly three-hour meal here entails other indulgences, presented at methodically paced intervals and in prudently restrained portions.
The day defined by chocolate, wine, flowers and basic indulgence following on the heels of the day when many Christians commit to fasting from such very indulgences presents a dilemma for those serious about observing the rhythms of the church year.
It makes entire abstraction of every other human passion or motive, except those which may be regarded as perpetually antagonising principles to the desire of wealth, namely aversion to labour, and desire of the present enjoyment of costly indulgences".
For the present, we ask the indulgence of our readers.
My recommendations for presents and personal indulgence include blockbuster boxed sets whose marathon running times will take you through to next summer, plus a random selection of shorts, single-CD audios for people who prefer to dip.
The photographs neither add to the aesthetic nor amplify the story; rather, they present a visual layer of self-indulgence to an otherwise nuanced account.
-- Judith Warner, from "The Perfect Gift" Reader Comments: How sad that in our society we are made to feel immodest speaking of happiness, or guilty about throwing parties for our children or having them open presents, as if avoiding self-indulgence were just another way of keeping up with the Joneses.
A hint of barbarian indulgence, long superseded, may make present virtue shine all the brighter.
