How do we define happiness? It’s a mystery that has intrigued great minds for thousands of years, and yet it remains difficult to grasp. In our busy life, where we’re regularly bombarded with images of the "perfect life," defining happiness can appear as trying to grasp a shadow. But have no fear, the study of philosophy has been exploring this question for centuries, and examining its history can provide valuable insights into how we define true happiness.
The philosophers of Ancient Greece were some of the first to explore in-depth the philosophy of happiness. Aristotle, for example, claimed that true happiness, or "eudaimonia," is derived from living a life of virtue and living up to one’s abilities. He suggested that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a condition that comes from living a meaningful and intentional life. In contrast, Epicurus supported a simpler approach, claiming that happiness comes from the quest for pleasure and the avoidance of pain—though, unlike what many believe, he prioritized higher pleasures over material enjoyment.
Fast forward to the present day, and the idea of happiness continues to evolve. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre suggested that happiness is subjective and tied to personal freedom, while others, like utilitarian philosophers, propose that happiness can be determined by how much good it brings to the most people. The appeal of philosophy is that it doesn’t suggest a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it offers us varied insights, urging us to think about what happiness means to each person. In a time obsessed with success and material wealth, philosophy reminds us that happiness is small business philosophy a personal quest, not a final goal.