Aristotle’s Idea of Happiness

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Aristotle’s Idea of Happiness

According to Aristotle, happiness is not simply a state but rather an activity that relates to certain virtues. In general terms, the pursuit of happiness must entail the adherence to certain virtues that work together to complete the essence of happiness. Aristotle considered happiness as an activity that derives from reason. His argument was based on the acknowledgment that the state of happiness must necessarily tie to a definite supreme good that does not depend on superficial factors or transient circumstances. Aristotle was of the opinion that what qualifies as happiness must be profound and enduring. Although he acknowledges the fact that external circumstances and various states of mind can impact on our states of happiness, Aristotle argues that the ultimate essence of happiness can be achieved by pursuing reason and virtue in every scheme of life regardless of the circumstances.

I agree with Aristotle’s idea of happiness because it separates the surface emotions of happiness from the depth of feelings that result from the relentless pursuit of virtue. One of the notable issues that Aristotle points out in his idea of happiness is the fact that the state of happiness depends a lot on the manner in which an individual adjusts himself or herself to the influences that determine the essence of feeling. Understanding Aristotle’s perspective on happiness helps the reader to distinguish between particular states of mind and the true essence of happiness. In some way, it might be argued that the state of happiness derives from the capacity of an individual to elevate his mind to certain actions whose consequences appertain to virtue. The kind of pleasure that a drunk person or drug addict feels does not conform to Aristotle’s view of happiness. Such feelings are not sustainable and do not attach to any virtues that are upheld by the society.