Affluent Savvy
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto Pexels Logo Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

What is man's highest desire?

For Aristotle, the most notable of the metaphysical philosophers, happiness is the highest desire and ambition of all human beings.

How can I control my diabetes without walking?
How can I control my diabetes without walking?

Ideally, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should mix aerobic training (cardio) and strength training. It is recommended that a person...

Read More »
Is it better to dust with a wet or dry cloth?
Is it better to dust with a wet or dry cloth?

The science behind why damp dusting is more efficient than a dry cloth comes from the fact that a damp cloth introduces capillary force to the dust...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Happiness According to 5 Famous Philosophers

4 minutes

Last update: 07 May, 2016

Happiness is one of the hardest words to define. Mystical happiness has nothing to do with the happiness of a powerful man, or with that of everyday people. In our daily lives we encounter different definitions of this word. If we look to philosophy, there is also a wide and diverse range of approaches to this concept. This article will explain and discuss a few of these philosophical points of view. “All mortals go in search of happiness, the sign that tells us none of them have it.” -Baltasar Gracián-

Aristotle and metaphysical happiness

For Aristotle, the most notable of the metaphysical philosophers, happiness is the highest desire and ambition of all human beings. In his opinion, the way to reach it is through virtue. In other words, if one cultivates within oneself the highest virtues, he or she will reach happiness. More than just a tangible state, Aristotle believed that it is more a lifestyle. The key characteristic of this way of life is to constantly exercise and extract the best of each individual. It is also necessary to practice prudence of character and have a good “daimon,” meaning good fate or good luck in order to lead a full and truly happy life. For this reason, his thesis on happiness is known by the name “Eudaimonia” or “Eudaemonism.” Aristotle provided the philosophical base on which the Christian church was built. Considering this, great similarities can be found between this great thinker’s ideas and the principles of Judeo-Christian religions.

Epicurus and hedonistic happiness

Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who contradicted metaphysical philosophers. In contrast to their beliefs, he did not believe that happiness came only from the spiritual world, but rather that it also had a great deal to do with more earthly dimensions. In fact, Epicurus founded a school of thought called Epicureanism, and actually had his own school which he called “The Garden.” Many interesting ideas and conclusions come from Epicureanism. He proposed the principle that balance and temperance were what created space for happiness. This idea is captured in one of his greatest maxims: “He who is not satisfied with a little, is satisfied with nothing.” Epicurus thought that love had little to do with happiness, and that friendship, instead, was more important. He also insisted in the idea that one should not work for money to be able to buy goods, but rather for the love of the work.

Nietzsche and the criticism of happiness

Is anger a toxic behavior?
Is anger a toxic behavior?

While the misconception abounds that anger is inherently a toxic or negative emotion, that's not actually true. Anger is something that we all...

Read More »
Do mantras actually work?
Do mantras actually work?

It can make a lot of difference, especially if you have trouble concentrating or getting in the right frame of mind. Many people find that using a...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

According to Nietzsche, to live peacefully and without anything worries is the desire of mediocre people who do not give any greater meaning to life. Nietzsche disagreed that “happiness” could be a constant state of wellbeing. He felt it was an ephemeral, fleeting condition that could end at any moment. Nietzsche said that described happiness as an “ideal state of laziness.“ In other words, to not have any worries or distresses. He felt, in contrast, that contentment could only be found in having vital strength and a fighting spirit against all of the obstacles that limit liberty and self-assertiveness. Being happy means being able to prove this vital strength by overcoming adversity and creating original ways in which to live life.

José Ortega y Gasset and happiness as a convergence

For this Spanish philosopher, a state of contentment is found when “the projected life” and “the effective life” coincide. In other words, when the paths of what we want to be and what are truly are converge.

In his writings, he notes:

“If we ask ourselves what this ideal state of the spirit called happiness consists of, we easily find an initial answer: happiness consists of finding something that satisfies and gratifies us completely. “Furthermore, strictly speaking, this answer does nothing but tell us what this subjective state of complete satisfaction is made up of. On the other hand, what objective conditions must be in place in order for us to find that which will satisfy us.” According to Ortega y Gasset, all humans have the potentiality and desire to be happy. This means that each person defines their reality and what can make them happy. If a person is able to truly achieve and reach that reality, then they will be happy.

Slavoj Zizek and happiness as a paradox

This philosopher indicates that being truly happy is a matter of opinion, and not of truth. He considered satisfaction and contentment a product of capitalist values which implicitly promise eternal satisfaction through consumption. However, dissatisfaction reigns within humans because in reality, they do not know what they want. Each person who believes that if they reach something (buy something, raise their social status, accomplish something, etc…) they will be happy. But, in reality, unconsciously, what they want to reach is just another thing and therefore they will be remain dissatisfied.

What is happiness for you?

What is the color of holy?
What is the color of holy?

Byzantine Rite Colour Common usage Red Holy Thursday Feast of the Cross Beheading of St. John the Baptist Feasts of Martyrs Nativity Fast Apostles'...

Read More »
What are men most physically attracted to?
What are men most physically attracted to?

Heterosexual men, on average, tend to be attracted to women who have a youthful appearance and exhibit features such as a symmetrical face, full...

Read More »
What signs will fall in love in 2022?
What signs will fall in love in 2022?

Lucky Zodiac Signs In Love 2022: Love Horoscope 2022 For 7 Lucky Signs Lucky Zodiac Signs In Love 2022. Is there love on your platter? ... Taurus....

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »
How long should a reel be for views?
How long should a reel be for views?

3-15 seconds long Best Instagram Reels length for views (3-15 seconds long) The ideal length of Instagram Reels for maximum views is anything over...

Read More »