Do you agree with Aristotle? βHappiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.β
Almost if helping ones fellow is the source of said happiness
Happy is a meal at McDonald's
@AwarenessNow You nailed it.
I balk somewhat at "the meaning and the purpose," but I think it's a noble aim to have, not only for one's own life or the lives of those around us, but for humanity as a whole, now and for future generations. Sometimes we individually forego the happiness we hope others will experience.
@silvereyes Yeah, I'd usually make a distinction between happiness and contentment, but I this case the quote seemed to be about general striving rather than the specific persistent state of mind, so I decided not to make my usual comment about that difference.
I don't think so. The meaning of life is what you make of it. What gives your life meaning and purpose? Doing that will help you achieve happiness. However some people won't be happy because they choose not to be.
Back then, probably. Times have changed. That stuff is important, but thereβs more going on now.
I do not, it seems silly to say life has a purpose and if it did the purpose could be achieved by some drugs.
I'm more curious about Epicurus, Aristotle walks with a waddle.
I think happiness is as good as it gets and having fun etc. we all got shit coming our way and have already had some. make the most of your happy times.our genes purpose is to reproduce but there isn't a meaning.
It certainly doesn't hurt to be happy. Having a sense of purpose is great and can keep you charged and moving forward but when objectively observing the aggregate of brutality and despair that exists in the world neither purpose or happiness can do the trick on their own. I think you need both, a healthy dose of realism/skepticism with a tinge of optimism mixed in for flavor. Besides, what would happiness be without sadness? It would likely become a stale state of being that would lead to a jaded pursuit of the next best thing.
not really - I like the intention behind it yet I think "the whole aim" is a step too far for me - I don't know if 'happiness' stretches to all the imaginings that I have for what my aim is in life. I think also that misery and disappointment have taught me in my life to enjoy the happiness the laughter and joy when its there and to persevere when its not .
I like Aristotle, but Satre had a better understanding of the human condition. Life is without meaning or purpose. You make your meaning as you go.
He never got to know things I know but... yeah happiness is where is at!!!! I can not live Sour... I can live Sad because I write out of sadness until I am sad no more but Sour... I can not do.