Aristotle On Happiness
Aristotle explored the meaning of supreme good or happiness in Nicomachean Ethics. Why was he interested in understanding human happiness? Is it because all human beings aspire for it? There is much more to it. To fully understand Aristotle’s musings on happiness, we must first understand extrinsic and intrinsic values.
We perceive certain things as valuable and strive for them, not for themselves but for the additional benefits they bring. For example, we may value exercise for the advantage it brings, i.e., good health. Such a value is referred to as an extrinsic value. At the same time, if we find something valuable not because of the benefits that it brings along with it but for its own sake, then such a value has an intrinsic value. For example, an amateur harmonica player may enjoy playing the harmonica in his own
So, how does this relate to happiness? Aristotle asks whether there exists anything that human beings value intrinsically for its own sake. If you could find such a thing, it would be the ultimate goal and purpose for all human beings. What is such a thing? It is happiness itself. Happiness is the ultimate goal, to be valued only for itself. According to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate good for man. That is why it was so important to Aristotle. He believed that happiness was the central purpose of human life and a goal in itself. company for fun. He plays the harmonica because he enjoys it. It’s an end in itself. Why people enjoy most things in life varies from person to person. For instance, some may value exercise intrinsically, and others may just exercise for the health benefits.
This then raises the question – what is happiness? We all desire it, and it is ultimately what human beings pursue. But what is it? How do we find it? Aristotle gives us definite criteria to consider in our pursuit of happiness.
First, true happiness should be “complete.” It is complete if it is all we require. When we have true happiness, we wouldn’t need anything else.
The second criterion is that an individual should obtain true happiness independently. Happiness shouldn’t be attained with the help of others. Many people desire fame and try to attain it. But according to Aristotle, this approach won’t bring them happiness because it depends a little too much on other people. They can’t get it on their own without other people.
The final criterion is that true happiness is the exercise of reason. In other words :
Whereas human beings need nourishment like plants and have sentience like animals, their distinctive function is their unique capacity to reason. Thus, our supreme good, or happiness, is to lead a life that enables us to use and develop our reason, and that is in accordance with reason. Unlike amusement or pleasure, which animals can also enjoy, happiness is not a state but an activity. And like virtue or goodness, it is profound and enduring.
(Burton, Aristotle on Happiness)
Thus, we can truly achieve happiness with a bit of introspection and mindfulness.
Best of luck to the person reading this. Hopefully, with this information, the newly enlightened you will go out into the world and find what makes YOU happy.
References:
Burton, N. “Aristotle on Happiness.” Psychology Today. January 28, 2013.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/hide-and-seek/201301/aristotle-happiness.
Author : N Tejas
About Author: Student (IPM/01)
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