Happiness—it’s something everyone desires, but how can we really achieve it? Philosophical minds have wrestled with this question for centuries, from the ancient Greeks to modern-day thinkers. The study of happiness from a philosophical perspective delves into the core questions of contentment in life and personal fulfilment, and while there’s no universal solution, exploring different schools of thought can provide valuable insights into how we might achieve greater satisfaction.
Aristotle taught that true happiness, or eudaimonia, wasn’t a fleeting emotion but a state of being achieved through living virtuously and acting with reason. According to this ancient philosopher, living a life of purpose, cultivating our skills, and living virtuously results in genuine happiness. It’s not about temporary joy but about cultivating a meaningful life. Moving forward to the modern era, and we see a different take with the utilitarians, such as John Stuart Mill, who believed that small business philosophy happiness means balancing pleasure and pain—for oneself and others. This approach emphasises the relationship between self-pleasure and community welfare.
In today’s fast-paced world, where immediate satisfaction is often mistaken for true happiness, the philosophical exploration of happiness reminds us to pause and think on what truly brings lasting satisfaction. Whether it’s nurturing deep connections, expressing thankfulness, or working on self-development, the path to happiness isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about living well. By viewing happiness in a philosophical context, we can discover a deeper and more meaningful journey to achieving it.