What truly constitutes happiness? It’s a mystery that has confounded great minds for thousands of years, and yet it remains difficult to grasp. In our fast-paced society, where we’re regularly bombarded with images of the "best life," nailing down what happiness is can be like searching for something intangible. 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," comes from leading a virtuous life and 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 intellectual and spiritual pleasures over simple bodily pleasures.
In the modern era, and the idea 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 the utilitarian school of thought, suggest that happiness can be determined by how much good it brings to the most people. The wonder of philosophy is that it doesn’t suggest a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it offers us varied insights, urging us to skincare philosophy think about what happiness means to each person. In a world obsessed with success and possessions, philosophy helps us remember that happiness is a personal experience, not a place to reach.