Nicomachean Ethics

01What's Aristotle's concept of happiness all about?

What does it mean to be truly happy? Is it about having a lot of money, a successful career, or a loving family? According to Aristotle, the answer lies in a concept he called Eudaimonia, which is often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing." But it's not the kind of happiness you might think of, like the fleeting joy of eating your favorite dessert or the temporary thrill of a roller coaster ride. No, Eudaimonia is something much deeper and more profound. Eudaimonia, as Aristotle sees it, is the ultimate goal of human life. It's what we should all be striving for, and every decision we make, every action we take, should be directed towards achieving this state. It's not a destination you can reach in a day or even a year. It's more like a marathon, a lifelong pursuit that requires endurance, patience, and a clear vision of the finish line. But here's the catch: Eudaimonia isn't something you can achieve by birth or good fortune. You can't inherit it from your parents or stumble upon it by luck. It's not about being in the right place at the right time. Instead, it's about consistently acting in accordance with virtue. It's about making the right choices, not just once or twice, but day in and day out, even when it's hard, even when no one is watching. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle gives us an example of how this works. He talks about a man who has all the wealth in the world but uses it to harm others and indulge in his own desires. This man, Aristotle says, is not living a Eudaimonic life. Why? Because he's not acting virtuously. He's not using his wealth to help others or to contribute to the common good. He's not making the right choices, and as a result, he's not truly happy. This brings us to a crucial point in Aristotle's ethical philosophy: the inseparable link between virtue and Eudaimonia. Virtuous actions are not just the means to achieve Eudaimonia; they are part of what it means to live a flourishing life. It's like two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other. You can't live a Eudaimonic life without acting virtuously, and you can't act virtuously without striving for Eudaimonia. So, what does it mean to be truly happy according to Aristotle? It means living a life of virtue, making the right choices, and striving for Eudaimonia. It's not about fleeting moments of joy or temporary thrills. It's about a deep, lasting sense of fulfillment that comes from living a good life. And perhaps, as we reflect on our own pursuit of happiness, we can find ways to incorporate Aristotle's teachings into our lives. After all, who wouldn't want to live a life of Eudaimonia?