September 5, 2012

Where is your happy place?

Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle is considered one of his most important works because it sets the stage for a very important ethical debate, which is the best way to live and what does it mean to be happy. “What constitutes happiness is a matter of dispute” (Aristotle 7). Aristotle saw how different people can be happy different ways and was not ignorant to the fact that that term could take on different meanings for different persons. He also tries to make “good living” for the whole population. It is interesting that although Aristotle recognizes that happiness can have multiple meanings, he also tries to create good living. Would this be the same kind of living for everyone? Or maybe it’s just everyone living their own version of happiness?

1 comment:

Joseph Hendel said...

I think there are in fact many ways to reach happiness. I agree with Aristotle when he says that material things, well-being, and honor do not create a pure realization of happiness. I think those things can definitely help in the assistance of happiness, but the answer is not rooted within them. I agree with Aristotle when he says the only way to be happy to to fulfill one's desires and not for the sake of any other reason. Too many people don't act upon how they feel or what they truly desire. They discourage themselves and let other people discourage them as well. I believe it is when you allow your self to do what you think is most morally nourishing for you. There are different ways to do this, and everyone is different, but if you can figure out what you can do that fulfills you beyond the material world, then you have reached happiness

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