Happiness Is the Most Pleasant Good for Human Soul [Ethics 8]

Happiness Is the Most Pleasant Good for Human Soul

Thinking with Aristotle

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“Happiness then is the best, noblest, and most pleasant thing in the world, and these attributes are not severed as in the inscription at Delos:

Most noble is that which is justest, and best is health;
But the pleasantest is to win what we love.

For all these properties belong to the best activities; and these, or one–the best–of these, we identify with happiness.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, 1.8

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Dear friend,

Warm greetings to each of you, my valued companion in our quest for wisdom. I am thrilled to bring you another letter from Wisdom Epistles, where we explore the profound insights found in Aristotle's teachings.

In passage 1.8, Aristotle engages in a contemplation on the essence of happiness, introducing the notion of goods which he classifies into three categories: external goods, goods of the soul, and goods of the body. Aristotle then puts forth the idea that happiness should be understood in the realm of soul-related goods and actions, and identifies it as soul’s most pleasant good. Individuals who value noble virtues find enjoyment in partaking in virtuous actions, and these actions grant them a sense of purpose, pleasure, and ultimately, happiness. Although these virtuous actions may not always result in external validations, they nonetheless effectively merge happiness and virtue within an individual's life, amplifying the overall level of pleasure experienced.

Now, let me share a tale from the bustling corporate world. Meet Sarah, an ambitious professional driven by success. With a prestigious position, a corner office, and a substantial salary, Sarah appeared to have attained the pinnacle of achievement. However, beneath this facade of accomplishment, she sensed a profound emptiness and disconnection. Sarah's focus primarily lay on external success, neglecting the realm of morality. Determined to discover true fulfillment in her career, then, she sought the guidance of Alex, a renowned leadership coach.

During their coaching sessions, Alex recounted a story of a high-ranking executive who possessed all the trappings of external success but lacked a deeper sense of purpose. Inspired by Alex's wisdom, Sarah embarked on a transformative journey of self-reflection and personal growth. She redirected her focus from mere career advancement to cultivating positive relationships, empowering her team, and making a meaningful impact. Through this transformation, Sarah realized that genuine happiness and fulfillment reside in the cultivation and practice of virtuous actions, particularly those that facilitate the thriving of others in their own lives.

With these thoughts in mind, I invite you to ponder the following questions:

1. Which goods do you prioritize in your life: external goods, goods related to the soul, or goods related to the body? Do you believe your current order of importance is aligned properly?

2. Reflecting upon Aristotle's perspective that virtuous actions inherently bring pleasure, what are some virtuous actions that you genuinely find enjoyable?

3. How might shifting your focus towards fostering positive relationships, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment? Is there a particular group of people whom you would like to serve?

Stay tuned for the upcoming installment of wisdom, where we will delve deeper into Aristotle's teachings and their profound implications for our lives.

Until then, may your reflections be deep, and may you soon discover the ultimate source of your happiness.

Warm regards,

Aristotle's Disciple

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