Discovering Happiness in Ancient Greece

The Pursuit of Eudaimonia

In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, the concept of eudaimonia is often translated as 'happiness.' However, this translation does not fully capture the complexity and depth of the term. Eudaimonia refers to a state of being that is characterized by living a virtuous life, cultivating friendships, and engaging in activities that bring fulfillment.

This pursuit of eudaimonia was not just about individual pleasure or hedonism but rather about achieving a sense of purpose and meaning through one's actions. The ancient Greeks believed that happiness was not something that could be achieved solely through external means, such as wealth or power, but rather it had to come from within.

The Importance of Friendship

Friendship played a crucial role in the pursuit of eudaimonia. The ancient Greeks believed that true friends were essential for living a virtuous life. They recognized that friendships could bring joy, comfort, and support, which were all necessary components for achieving happiness.

In fact, Aristotle went so far as to say that 'without friends no one would want to live with even the most excellent of circumstances.' This highlights the importance of social connections in achieving a sense of fulfillment.

The Role of Virtue Ethics

Another crucial aspect of achieving eudaimonia was the cultivation of virtues. The ancient Greeks believed that living a virtuous life was essential for achieving happiness. This meant developing character traits such as justice, temperance, and wisdom.

Virtue ethics emphasized the importance of cultivating these virtues through habituation and self-reflection. It was not just about following rules or laws but rather about becoming the best version of oneself.