What is happiness? It’s a concept that has confounded philosophers 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," figuring out what happiness means can seem 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 philosophers of Ancient Greece were some of the first to explore in-depth 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 deliberate life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus proposed a simplified take, arguing that happiness is achieved by the pursuit of pleasure and the reduction of suffering—though, despite common misconceptions, he appreciated intellectual and spiritual pleasures over physical gratification.
In the modern era, and the idea of happiness remains relevant. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre suggested that happiness is tied to one’s choices and tied to personal freedom, while others, like the utilitarian school of thought, propose that happiness can be determined by maximizing well-being for the most people. The appeal of philosophy is that it doesn’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it provides different viewpoints, urging us to think about what happiness means to each person. In a world obsessed with success and possessions, philosophy helps us remember that happiness is a personal experience, not a place to skincare philosophy reach.