How do we define happiness? It’s a query that has intrigued great minds for thousands of years, and yet it remains difficult to grasp. In our busy life, where we’re constantly overwhelmed by images of the "dream lifestyle," nailing down what happiness is can be like trying to grasp a shadow. But take heart, philosophers has been wrestling with this issue for centuries, and studying its ancient roots can provide useful ideas into how we define true happiness.
The Greeks of antiquity were some of the first to seriously consider the concept of happiness. The philosopher Aristotle, for example, argued that true happiness, or "well-being," is derived from living a life of virtue and living up to one’s abilities. He claimed that happiness isn’t just a passing state but a way of life that comes from living a meaningful and intentional life. In contrast, Epicurus supported a simpler approach, claiming that happiness is achieved by the seeking of pleasure and the escape from pain—though, despite common misconceptions, he prioritized higher pleasures over physical gratification.
In the present day, and the idea of happiness remains relevant. Thinkers 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 how much good it brings to the most people. The wonder of philosophy is that it doesn’t suggest a standard answer. Instead, it offers us varied insights, inspiring us to think about what happiness looks like to each of us. In a time centered around small business philosophy winning and material wealth, philosophy reminds us that happiness is a deeply personal journey, not a final goal.