The Role of Virtue in Achieving Enduring Happiness: An Aristotelian Perspective

Abstract

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics Post Meaning of Happiness Happiness comes in many forms. I associate happiness with anything physical/tangible like people or stuff, emotional/psychological like a feeling or an idea that brings me peace of mind. Arguing from such a definition, I believe that my family is the essential source of my happiness. I like being surrounded by people whose intentions are merely grounded on sincere love and where the family happiness comes from at any given time. When happiness starts from the people surrounding me most of my time, finding and maintaining it outside such circles becomes an easy task. I love sharing new ideas with friends and getting their views and opinions, which also serve as another source of happiness. Silence and spending some time alone is another way I feel composed and in love with myself which leaves me in very high spirits. I enjoy reading novels which in most instances leave me in smiles and loud laughs, especially while I am taking the novel from my bedroom or in any other noise-free area. To me, happiness is the inner satisfaction that is remains reflected and expressed inwardly and outwardly. Aristotle argues happiness from the moral and intellectual virtual exercise point of view. He confirms that living well, which defines a happy life, demands exercising moral and intellectual virtue to prove essential elements in human life. To achieve such happiness, Aristotle insists on following the law to ensure that the attainment of happiness is not connected to selfishness. To this effect, one can argue that living well, which comes with being wealthy, in good health, and perfect relationship with others, calls for consideration of the proper protocols to ensure that such life remains attained ethically. Work hard to get your wealth, play your part...