Aristotle: Happiness as the Exercise of Virtue

Aristotle: A Philosopher of Happiness

“Happiness depends on ourselves.” More than any other ancient thinker, Aristotle placed happiness at the core of human existence. Living in ancient Greece, during a similar period as Mencius, Aristotle formulated a theory of happiness that still resonates today, over 2,300 years later. His work on happiness is perhaps best captured in his masterpiece, the Nicomachean Ethics, where he argues that happiness (or eudaimonia) is the highest goal of life, achievable through the practice of virtue and the development of moral character.

The Ultimate Purpose of Human Life

Aristotle argues that all human activities aim at some good, and happiness is the highest good because it is pursued for its own sake. For Aristotle, happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion or a momentary feeling of pleasure. It is the fulfillment of human potential—the exercise of reason and virtue over the course of a complete life. This makes happiness both a lifelong process and the ultimate purpose of human existence.

Aristotle's View of Happiness

Aristotle's definition of happiness is rooted in the idea that the good life requires the exercise of virtue. He famously stated that happiness is “an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue” (Nicomachean Ethics, 1098a13). Virtue, in this context, is not just about doing the right thing, but about striking a balance, or what Aristotle calls the “Golden Mean,” between excess and deficiency in one's character and actions.

The Golden Mean and Virtue

Aristotle's doctrine of the “Golden Mean” holds that virtue is the mean between two extremes. For example, courage is the balance between recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency). Similarly, generosity is the mean between extravagance and stinginess. This balance is not the same for everyone, as Aristotle acknowledges that different individuals require different means depending on their circumstances and nature. Living virtuously means consistently choosing the mean in various aspects of life, thereby cultivating a good moral character and achieving happiness.

Happiness and Intellectual Contemplation

For Aristotle, the highest form of happiness is intellectual contemplation. Since humans are rational beings, the fullest expression of our nature is the use of reason to understand the world and our place in it. This makes intellectual contemplation the most divine activity a person can engage in. While Aristotle acknowledged the importance of external goods (like health, wealth, and friends) in achieving happiness, he believed that the ultimate fulfillment of our rational capacities leads to the greatest happiness.

Friendship and the Good Life

Aristotle also placed great emphasis on friendship as a key component of the happy life. He believed that virtuous friendships, where individuals wish the best for each other, are essential for achieving happiness. These friendships are not based on utility or pleasure, but on mutual respect and virtue. Aristotle famously said, “No one would choose to live without friends, even if they had all the other goods” (Nicomachean Ethics, 1155a5).

Conclusion: The Aristotelian Pursuit of Happiness

Aristotle's view of happiness is a comprehensive one, involving the cultivation of virtue, the exercise of reason, and the development of deep, meaningful relationships. Happiness, according to Aristotle, is not a momentary feeling, but the result of living a life of excellence over the long term. By balancing the various aspects of life and consistently striving for virtue, we can achieve the ultimate end—happiness.