What is happiness? It’s a concept that has confounded intellectuals for ages, and yet it remains as elusive as ever. In our modern era, where we’re frequently flooded with images of the "ideal life," understanding happiness can feel like chasing a mirage. But fear not, the great thinkers has been exploring 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, argued that true happiness, or "well-being," stems from living a life of virtue and achieving one’s full capacity. He claimed that happiness isn’t just a passing state but a way of life that comes from living a balanced and deliberate life. In contrast, Epicurus philosophy proposed a simplified take, suggesting that happiness is found in the pursuit of pleasure and the reduction of suffering—though, 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 assessed 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 society driven by achievement and financial gain, philosophy shows us that happiness is a unique pursuit, not a one-time achievement.