The Philosophy of Happiness: Can We Really Define What It Means to Feel Happiness?

The Philosophy of Happiness: Can We Really Define What It Means to Feel Happiness?

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How do we define happiness? It’s a mystery that has intrigued great minds for thousands of years, and yet it is as hard to define as ever. In our fast-paced society, where we’re constantly overwhelmed by images of the "best life," nailing down what happiness is can be like trying to grasp a shadow. But take heart, philosophers has been tackling this inquiry for centuries, and diving into its philosophical background can offer us useful ideas into what happiness actually is.

The Greeks of antiquity were some of the first to delve deeply into the notion of happiness. Aristotle, for example, suggested that true happiness, or "eudaimonic happiness," is achieved through leading a virtuous life and fulfilling one’s potential. He believed that happiness isn’t just a temporary feeling but a philosophy sustained experience that is the result of living a well-rounded and purposeful life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus advocated for a different perspective, believing that happiness is derived from the attainment of pleasure and the minimizing of pain—though, despite misunderstandings, he placed importance on the joys of the mind and spirit over mere physical indulgences.

Moving into the contemporary age, and the question of happiness has evolved. Modern philosophers like Sartre argued that happiness is personal and dependent on personal freedom, while others, like utilitarians, believe that happiness can be assessed by its utility to society. The value of philosophical thought is that it doesn’t offer a universal answer. Instead, it presents a range of ideas, encouraging us to reflect on what happiness is for us personally. In a society driven by achievement and financial gain, philosophy shows us that happiness is a unique pursuit, not a one-time achievement.