What truly constitutes happiness? It’s a mystery that has intrigued intellectuals for thousands of years, and yet it remains as elusive as ever. In our modern era, where we’re frequently flooded with images of the "dream lifestyle," figuring out what happiness means can seem like pursuing an illusion. But don’t worry, philosophy 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, claimed that true happiness, or "eudaimonic happiness," is achieved through leading a virtuous life and philosophy realizing one’s potential. He believed that happiness isn’t just a temporary feeling but a sustained experience that is the result of living a well-rounded and purposeful life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus advocated for a different perspective, suggesting that happiness is found in the pursuit of pleasure and the reduction of suffering—though, contrary to popular belief, he appreciated mental and spiritual enjoyment over simple bodily pleasures.
In the modern era, and the pursuit of happiness remains relevant. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre suggested that happiness is tied to one’s choices and tied to personal freedom, while others, like utilitarian philosophers, suggest that happiness can be determined by maximizing well-being for the most people. The appeal of philosophy is that it doesn’t prescribe a single answer. Instead, it provides different viewpoints, inviting us to ponder what happiness means for us individually. In a society focused on success and financial gain, philosophy teaches us that happiness is a unique pursuit, not a one-time achievement.