(This post is part of the ongoing
Happiness Series.)
Some of the greatest minds in history have wrestled with the meaning of happiness. One man who stands out amongst all the great thinkers, I believe, is Socrates.
Socrates tackled the meaning of happiness in a number of his famous dialogues. And while he used his usual dizzying discussion methods. One concept that really shines is the idea of Eudaimonia.
What is Eudaimonia?
Many modern texts translate the ancient Greek word “Eudaimonia” into “happiness”. But this doesn't do it justice. Eudaimonia is so much more than the ephemeral positive feelings that people today call happiness.
Ancient Greek was a very specific language. Just as the Greeks had
four different words for "love", they also had different words for various types of happiness.
Eudaimonia would be more closely translated as "flourishing".
("Are you happy?" "No, I'm flourishing!")
This "flourishing" meant thriving in the time you have been given in your life. It meant growing as much as possible in every way possible. It was about becoming the best version of yourself. Only in this manner was the "good life" attained. Only in this pursuit was real happiness achieved.
How does Eudaimonia work?
Eudaimonia operates on the principle that your are most fulfilled when achieving your potential. That in growing physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually you increase your capacity for enjoying life and unlock the ability to enjoy higher forms of pleasure.
This definition of happiness is intriguing for many reasons.
First, and most powerfully, this definition makes happiness an act of the will.
Eudaimonia was a choice. This sets it far apart from happiness (defined today) as a sensation that happens to you.
Second, in being a choice, Eudaimonia became a habit or
pursuit that lasted your entire life. Once again,
this is drastically different than modern definition of a fleeting pleasurable sensation.
Lastly, this definition is universally fair. What I mean is that anyone and everyone can choose to make the most of what they have, whether it be a little or a lot. In contrast, one could say that "modern happiness" (read pleasure) is unfairly imbalanced in favor of those born to affluent circumstances.
Why Does Eudaimonia Work?
It is no secret that the sense of fulfillment experienced from accomplishing a goal is incredibly rewarding.
- The euphoria achieved after completing a marathon...
- The edifying experience of helping your neighbor...
- The thrill of learning something new...
- The deep peace of prayer after a period of sacrifice...
And mature audiences know that as humans we can enjoy higher pleasures that are more fulfilling than the base pleasures we share with animals.
- As an experiment, imagine the best food you ever had.
- Now imagine the best conversation you've ever had.
- If you could have only one tonight, which would you choose?
- ...exactly
Lastly, I believe everyone has experienced the phenomenon that everything is richer and more vibrant when we are pushing ourselves.
- Relaxation is so much better when we are exhausted
- Faith is so much deeper when challenged
- Imagination is so much richer after learning
- All of these are fruits of the struggle to achieve one's potential.
A Eudaimon life is one spent in pursuit of true fulfillment. In achieving our maximum potential physically, spiritually, mentally, and socially we also achieve our greatest capacity to enjoy life in each of these areas. In addition we unlock access to higher forms of pleasure.
Application in Your Life
To be fair, this new understanding of happiness
will not get rid of the low points in your life
...but neither will it evaporate like a giddy feeling during a low point.
Rather, Eudaimon pursuits lead to life at a higher level so that the highs are higher AND the lows are less low.
It seems obvious, won't you be happiest when you are the best you can be?
If you agree, I invite you to join me in pursuing the Eudaimon life.
Struggling to grow each day mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.
It is a lot of work, but the result is a life well lived.
Keep Pursuing (Happiness)
