Happiness is the main purpose of human life, a longing for well-being that, however, does not admit a single possible path or interpretation. In this Psychology-Online article, What is happiness according to philosophy and how to achieve it, we talked about the topic. The concept of happiness acquires a specific focus within a philosophical system developed by an author. The universal objective of happiness as a goal of life is a constant, however, the difficulty lies in establishing where it is. Since, for example, a person who places his happiness in the desire for success and recognition is conditioning his well-being to an aspect that does not depend on himself: praise and applause from others. Happiness, therefore, must come from the inner freedom of those who achieve this satisfaction through the appropriate path.
What is happiness according to philosophy
It cannot be separated from the human and the experience of living. Happiness is linked to being, more than having. The search for happiness and reflection on this issue constitutes an important driving force in the history of philosophy and conversations about the meaning of existence. Many authors have expressed their vision on the matter, below we will see the reflections of some of them.
What is happiness according to Aristotle
Aristotle, one of the most influential thinkers, expresses that happiness is a universal end of the human being. That is, beyond the differences and circumstances of each person, this motivation is present in everyone’s heart.
The satisfaction of happiness is based on the exercise of virtue as a basis for the practice of good, since a full life is also the consequence of virtuous and ethical actions. While there are many means that have merely instrumental value, happiness is not a means but an end. The error often lies in giving priority in relation to this topic to an aspect that does not have this value.
For example, although the economic factor is present in the lifestyle, money and material things are a means. What happens when a person makes this medium an absolute search in their daily life? Far from achieving the joy he experiences, the constant dissatisfaction of greed leads him to focus his attention on the lack of that which he does not yet possess.
What is happiness according to Victor Frankl
The founder of Logotherapy considers that the true fullness of the human being begins with the development of the search for meaning as meaning. This search for meaning is totally personal, that is, each protagonist must answer this question based on their own reality. The light of meaning is a reason for hope even in circumstances of adversity as the author himself already showed through his book “Man’s Search for Meaning”1.
Each life story is totally unique and unrepeatable. This internal reflection on the meaning of a situationwork or an episode can cause a person to reinterpret that information from a new dimension of growth and freedom.
What is happiness according to Epicurus
The search for happiness is linked to the search for the pleasure that pleasure produces versus the avoidance of those sufferings that are avoidable. A hedonism based on moderation and that finds in the exercise of friendship one of the greatest pillars of happiness.
Tips to achieve happiness
Below, we show some tips on through the reflections and affirmations of philosophy.
- Socrates, one of the most influential Greek thinkers, states: “I only know that I know nothing.” A reflection that educate humility by helping us to be aware that what we know does not cover everything we can still discover.
- Know yourself. This is another of the most important messages of ancient Greek philosophy. Therefore, cultivate self-knowledge and .
- Prioritize being over having because happiness manifests itself in this order of reality. Avoid confusing appearance with happiness.
- Live in the present, remember the best of your past and observe the future from the perspective of hope. Time is a constant in human existence, therefore, it establishes a constructive relationship with yesterday, today and tomorrow.
- Philosophy is a manifestation of amazement and admiration. In a time as technological as the current one, do not let the novelty of technological resources keep you from the gift of being amazed by the beauty of the sky or the sea, for example. That is to say, increase your conscious presence In nature.
- The practice of good, like happiness, is an end in itself. That is, the greatest motivation that human beings experience when performing good actions is inner satisfaction.
- Read books of philosophy. By reading the thoughts of different authors you can form your own opinion on a topic that involves you as the protagonist: happiness. Go deeper into this matter, do not remain on the surface of things in the face of the wide catalog of stimuli from the external environment that seek your immediate attention. Philosophy is not governed by the influence of the viral but by a message that penetrates the reader through slow reflection. Therefore, you can select books on this topic in the library and bookstores.
- Take care of your body, your mind and your inner world. Observe your integral reality as a human being. Take care of yourself because well-being is an integral purpose.
- Practice the power of forgiveness starting with yourself.
What does happiness mean to you? Reflect on this question, integrate this topic of conversation into your conversations with others.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- Frankl, V. (2015). Man’s Search for Meaning. Herder Editorial.
Bibliography
- Alarcón, R. (2015). The idea of happiness. Science & Society Notes, 5(1), 2.
- Gómez-Lobo, A. (1999). Socrates’ ethics. Andres Bello.
- Ossandón, JC (2001). Happiness and politics: the ultimate goal of the Polis in Aristotle’s philosophy.