What is happiness? It’s a concept that has confounded intellectuals for ages, and yet it remains difficult to grasp. In our fast-paced society, where we’re regularly bombarded with images of the "best life," nailing down what happiness is can be like pursuing an illusion. But fear not, the great thinkers has been pondering this concept for centuries, and exploring its rich history can reveal important wisdom into what it truly means to be happy.
The Greek thinkers were some of the first to seriously consider the concept of happiness. The philosopher Aristotle, for example, argued that true happiness, or "well-being," stems from living a life of virtue and living up to one’s abilities. He claimed that happiness isn’t just a passing state but a way of life that comes from living a balanced and deliberate life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus proposed a simplified take, arguing 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 current era, and the pursuit of happiness is still evolving. Contemporary philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre claimed that happiness is individual and linked to personal freedom, while others, like utilitarians, argue that happiness can be evaluated by its utility to society. The beauty of philosophy is that it doesn’t offer a single answer. Instead, it presents different viewpoints, skincare philosophy inviting us to ponder what happiness means for us individually. In a world focused on success and possessions, philosophy helps us remember that happiness is a personal experience, not a place to reach.