How do we define happiness? It’s a query that has intrigued thinkers for centuries, and yet it still eludes us. In our modern world, where we’re always flooded with images of the "ideal life," figuring out what happiness means can seem like chasing a mirage. But fear not, the great thinkers has been pondering this question for centuries, and examining its history can give important wisdom into what it truly means to be happy.
The Greek thinkers were some of the first to seriously consider the concept of happiness. The philosopher Aristotle, for example, believed that true happiness, or "flourishing," stems from being virtuous and achieving one’s full capacity. He argued that happiness isn’t just a momentary joy but a state of being that is achieved by living a balanced and purposeful life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus proposed a different perspective, suggesting that happiness is found in the attainment of pleasure and the minimizing of pain—though, philosophy contrary to popular belief, he placed importance on mental and spiritual enjoyment over simple bodily pleasures.
Jumping to the current era, and the pursuit of happiness is still evolving. Contemporary philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre claimed that happiness is individual and linked to personal freedom, while others, like utilitarians, argue that happiness can be evaluated by the greatest good for the greatest number. The value of philosophical thought is that it doesn’t give a standard answer. Instead, it gives multiple perspectives, encouraging us to consider what happiness is for us personally. In a culture driven by achievement and economic success, philosophy shows us that happiness is a unique pursuit, not a destination.