How do we define happiness? It’s a query that has baffled thinkers for centuries, and yet it is as hard to define as ever. In our fast-paced society, where we’re constantly bombarded with images of the "best life," nailing down what happiness is can be like trying to grasp a shadow. But take heart, philosophers has been wrestling with this issue for centuries, and studying its ancient roots can provide useful ideas into how we define true happiness.
The Greeks of antiquity were some of the first to delve deeply into the philosophy of happiness. Aristotle, for example, claimed that true happiness, or "flourishing," comes from leading a virtuous life and realizing one’s potential. He believed that happiness isn’t just a momentary joy but a state of being that is skincare philosophy achieved by living a well-rounded and purposeful life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus advocated for a different perspective, suggesting that happiness is found in the pursuit of pleasure and the reduction of suffering—though, contrary to popular belief, he appreciated mental and spiritual enjoyment over simple bodily pleasures.
Jumping to the modern era, and the pursuit of happiness remains relevant. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre claimed 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 how much good it brings to the most people. The wonder of philosophy is that it doesn’t suggest a standard 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 helps us remember that happiness is a personal quest, not a place to reach.