Day 48
Aristotle is considered one of the most influential Greek philosophers. He lived from 384 BC to 322 BC. He was a student of Plato’s and a teacher of Alexander the Great.
Aristotle viewed “eudaimonia” which is roughly translated by happiness or human flourishing, as a central purpose of human life and a goal in itself: “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. » He did not perceive it as being something you could gain or lose in a few hours, such as wealth, fame or honor, nor something that knowledge could give you, since even individuals who acquire material goods or achieve intellectual knowledge may not be happy.
He argued that in order to live well and be happy, human beings had to abide by moral virtue. Moral virtue, he thought, is living a life of moderation, staying away from the vices of excess or deficiency; for example showing courage instead of recklessness or cowardice.
According to Aristotle, we are not born with virtue, it comes with training and habit. He thought we should live in conformity with our rational nature, which would help us in our quest for virtue. He argued that virtuous adults display courage, temperance, friendship, justice and wisdom. These genuinely good qualities, when cultivated, would allow the attainment of the full potential and lead the soul to flourish. As a result, happiness would be attained.
For Aristotle, happiness was an activity of the soul expressing genuine virtue and excellence. Although, he thought that a minimum of comfort was desirable, he argued that happiness came from the virtuous character traits that defined the individual, rather than the acquisition of any material good or the fulfillment of any desire. He believed that being happy, in fact, was being the best that you can be. I think I’ll abide by that! “For what is the best choice, for each individual is the highest it is possible for him to achieve."
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