Aristotle s Understanding Of Happiness - 2511 Words

Aristotle’s understanding of happiness was that â€Å"happiness is the state of actualizing or realizing a thing’s function†(Soccio, 2010), in other words, its entelechy. Entelechy meaning in Aristotelian terms, an inner urge that drives all things to blossom into their own unique selves; inner order or design that governs all natural processes; what a thing is ‘meant to be’ as ‘having it’s end within itself.’ Aristotle also described entelechy as the soul. He believed that virtues led to happiness, and virtues meant the act of achieving balance and moderation. â€Å"A good life is one that provides all the necessary conditions and opportunities for a person to become fully himself or herself – and one in which the person has the character to do so†(Soccio, 2010). Aristotle talked about achieving happiness, not in an emotional state; but it being more about being the best you can be, reaching your maximum potential. By doing so, one would live in a way that would reach their maximum potential and would display the best version of themselves that they could possibly be. For Aristotle, the act of living in balance and moderation was the highest form of pleasure. It was this way of life that would generate greater long-term value rather than just a short period of pleasure. Throughout life, people are presented with many choices and decisions. These decisions, no matter how easy or tough, determine our potential. Obviously bad decisions won’t express ones maximum potential, andShow MoreRelatedAncient Greek Philosophers Who Have Helped Shape The World1350 Words   |  6 Pagestwenty centuries ago, Greek philosopher Aristotle laid out the foundations of Western culture. The principles of Greek philosophy implemented its way into encompassing a persons point of view or their knowledge on society. 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