Happiness is multifaceted, and its definition varies depending on context and perspective. If you consult a dictionary, ‘happiness’ is generally described as the experience of positive emotions and a sense of overall well-being and contentment. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. ‘Happiness’ is a rich and complex term that encompasses a variety of perspectives, including:

• Experiencing feelings of joy, contentment, and well-being. It is often characterised by positive emotions such as pleasure, satisfaction, and delight.
• A state of being that reflects a positive and fulfilling life situation. This can include good health, fulfilling relationships, and a sense of purpose or achievement.
• From a philosophical standpoint, happiness can be seen as living a good life or achieving a state of flourishing. This perspective emphasises more than momentary pleasure. It is a deeper, more sustained sense of fulfilment and virtue.
• From a psychological perspective, happiness is often referred to as subjective well-being. This approach includes an individual’s self-reported levels of positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction, providing a scientific and measurable understanding of happiness.

For me, you can have regular feelings of joy, pleasure, and delight and still have a sub-par level of happiness. You can have good health, fulfilling relationships and event be content and be below happy. These factors are important and are an ingredient for happiness, but they are just an ingredient.

Focusing on the philosophical perspective of happiness can help us better understand what living a good and fulfilling life means. This perspective goes beyond immediate gratification and integrates virtue, personal growth, and meaningful living, offering a profound and enduring sense of fulfilment. It encourages individuals to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society, leading to a richer and more satisfying life.

The subjective nature of well-being makes establishing universal criteria for a flourishing life difficult. If your happiness perspective differs from mine as you learn to understand it, I would like to hear it. I believe we each need a definition of happiness. Hence, you have a framework for understanding happiness because, in my opinion, achieving happiness is demanding, requiring self-discipline and moral integrity that can be challenging to maintain.

I view happiness from a philosophical standpoint because it provides guiding principles and frameworks to help me understand how to achieve a balanced and meaningful life. It encourages me to consider the totality of my life, including relationships, personal growth, and societal contributions. It focuses on flourishing and fulfilling one’s potential over a lifetime rather than just seeking momentary joys. Philosophical perspectives link happiness to virtue and ethical living, suggesting that true happiness is intertwined with a morally good life. Emphasising the importance of self-examination and personal growth, crucial for achieving a deeper sense of happiness.

Additionally, philosophical approaches consider the cultural and societal context in which individuals live, offering insights relevant to different times and places. While some aspects of happiness are universal, these approaches also recognise individual differences in what constitutes a fulfilling life. They consider how various aspects of life—such as work, relationships, personal development, and leisure—interconnect and contribute to overall happiness. The philosophical influences I have adopted often advocate for a balanced approach and recognise that excess or deficiency in any area can impact overall well-being. The philosophers I emulate encourage rational thought and critical analysis, helping individuals make informed decisions that lead to lasting happiness and emphasising the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, which are crucial components of true happiness.

Philosophers throughout history have offered different perspectives on happiness. Here are 10 key philosophers and a snapshot of their views:

1. Socrates (469-399 BCE) believed happiness is tied to virtue and moral integrity. He argued that true happiness comes from living a virtuous life guided by reason and knowledge. For Socrates, an unexamined life is not worth living, and self-knowledge is crucial for achieving happiness.
2. Plato (427-347 BCE) – a student of Socrates, also emphasised the importance of virtue. In his works, particularly “The Republic,” he suggested that happiness is achieved through the harmony of the soul’s three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite. A just person whose soul is in balance is truly happy.
3. Aristotle’s (384-322 BCE) concept of happiness is living a life of virtuous activity in accordance with reason. He believed happiness is the highest good and the end goal of human existence, achieved through the practice of virtues and the fulfilment of one’s potential
4. Epicurus (341-270 BCE) founded the school of thought known as Epicureanism. He taught that happiness, or pleasure, is the highest good. However, he distinguished between different types of pleasures, advocating for intellectual pleasures and the absence of pain (ataraxia) over physical pleasures. For Epicurus, simple living, friendship, and intellectual pursuits are key to happiness.
5. Stoics teach that happiness comes from living in accordance with reason, accepting what we cannot change, and cultivating virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. For Stoics, true happiness is found in inner peace and resilience, regardless of external circumstances.
6. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) argued that happiness is not the highest good; it is the moral duty to act according to the categorical imperative (acting according to maxims that can be universally applied). For Kant, a good will, guided by duty, is more important than the pursuit of happiness. However, he acknowledged that happiness is a natural human desire.
7. John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), a proponent of utilitarianism, believed that happiness is the ultimate goal of human action. He defined happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain. Mill emphasised the quality of pleasures, arguing that intellectual and moral pleasures are superior to physical pleasures.
8. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) criticised conventional notions of happiness, viewing it as a byproduct of overcoming challenges and asserting one’s will to power. For Nietzsche, happiness is not a goal in itself but emerges from the pursuit of personal excellence and self-actualisation.
9. Contemporary Philosophers, Positive Psychology: In contemporary times, the field of positive psychology, led by figures like Martin Seligman, explores happiness scientifically. Seligman’s PERMA model identifies five elements essential for well-being: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
10. Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach emphasises the importance of enabling individuals to achieve well-being by ensuring they have the opportunities and resources to develop their capabilities.

These philosophers (and I don’t support several of their theories), among others, have shaped the diverse and evolving discourse on happiness, each contributing unique insights into its nature and how it can be attained.

The Stoics have the best version of happiness. The philosopher who most significantly influenced Stoicism was Socrates. While Socrates himself was not a Stoic, his methods and ideas greatly impacted the founders of Stoicism. The Stoic philosophy, developed by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE, was heavily inspired by Socratic teachings, especially the emphasis on ethics, virtue, and the development of personal wisdom. Additionally, Socratic dialogues, as recorded by Plato, provided a framework for Stoic thought regarding the nature of the good life and the importance of rationality. While the philosopher who most significantly influenced Stoicism was Socrates, Aristotle laid a larger framework for happiness.

Aristotle’s influence on Western thought is profound and enduring. His works laid the groundwork for many fields of study and were central to medieval scholarship in the Islamic world and Christian Europe. His writings were reintroduced to the West during the Renaissance, shaping modern scientific and philosophical inquiry. Aristotle’s comprehensive approach to studying the world and his method of logical analysis have left a lasting impact on numerous disciplines, making him one of the most important figures in Western intellectual history.

Aristotle’s perspective on happiness is centred around the concept of “eudaemonia,” often translated as “flourishing” or “well-being.” He believed that happiness is the ultimate goal of human life and is the highest good that we aim for, with all other goods (such as wealth, health, and pleasure) being sought as a means to achieve happiness. Aristotle argued that we must understand the function of a human being to understand what happiness is. He proposed that the function of humans is a rational activity, and the good life fulfils this function excellently. Therefore, happiness is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.

Virtue is central to Aristotle’s concept of happiness. He distinguished between moral virtues (such as courage, temperance, and justice) and intellectual virtues (such as wisdom and understanding). Moral virtues are developed through habituation and involve finding the mean between excess and deficiency in our actions and emotions. While virtue is necessary for happiness, Aristotle acknowledged that external goods (such as friends, wealth, and health) also play a role in achieving a happy life. However, they are secondary to the development of virtue.

Aristotle considered the life of contemplation (theoria) as the highest form of happiness because it involves the exercise of our rational faculties at their best. This intellectual activity is self-sufficient, continuous, and the most pleasant of virtuous activities. For Aristotle, happiness is a life of virtuous activity in accordance with reason, supported by sufficient external goods, and culminating in the highest form of intellectual contemplation. These ideas of Aristotle were adopted by the Stoics, who downgraded sufficient external goods and focused on a state of flourishing and living well, characterised by fulfilling one’s potential and living a life of virtue and reason. Stable mental health and mood, characterised by a sense of well-being, emotional balance, and a concept of excellence and fulfilling purpose or function, embodying the highest quality and effectiveness.

By practising virtue, maintaining mindfulness, visualising adversity, detaching from externals, developing resilience, and cultivating gratitude, individuals can achieve a state of eudaemonia—a deeply fulfilling and enduring form of happiness. The Stoic path to happiness is thus a lifelong journey of self-improvement and philosophical reflection, leading to a life of meaning and tranquillity.

In Stoic philosophy, “reason” is a central concept with multiple dimensions. It can be understood as the ability to think logically, make decisions, and understand the world coherently and structured. Stoics believed that humans are distinct from other animals because of their capacity for reason. The Stoics posited that a rational structure or order governs the universe. For Stoics, living in accordance with reason meant aligning one’s life with the rational structure of the universe, living in a state of Eudaemonia, Euthymia, and Arete.

Eudaemonia

To be happy, you need to be the best version of yourself. The ancient Greeks called this ideal self your daimon, a guiding spirit in all of us. Nowadays, we might call it our conscience. For the Stoic philosophers, the relationship with your daimon was central to living a happy life.

The ancient Greek word for happiness or well-being is eudaimonia (“eu” and “daimon”), which means good soul. Your relationship with this inner soul is the most important one in your life. You need to be living in sync with your inner spirit to be happy. When on good terms with your daimon, you live up to being your best self.

This means that happiness is not only about feeling good. It focuses on flourishing and being alive.

The Stoics believed that living in harmony with your daimon requires aligning your actions and thoughts with your true nature and virtues. It involves cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. By doing so, you achieve inner peace and resilience, regardless of external circumstances.

This pursuit of eudaimonia is an ongoing process. It demands self-reflection, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth. The Stoics taught that external events are beyond our control, but we can control our responses. By focusing on what we can control—our thoughts, emotions, and actions—we can maintain a sense of tranquillity and purpose.

In modern terms, this philosophy encourages us to strive for authenticity and integrity. It suggests that true happiness comes from within, from living a life consistent with our deepest values and highest potential. We can lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life by nurturing our relationship with our inner daimon.

Euthymia

Euthymia refers to a state of inner calm, tranquillity, and contentment. It is a mental state where a person is at peace with themselves and their circumstances, free from anxiety and disturbance.

Stoics believe that a significant source of human distress comes from trying to control external events and outcomes beyond our control. Closely related to eudaemonia, we can achieve a sense of peace by accepting this fundamental limitation and focusing on what we can control—our thoughts, actions, and reactions.

Euthymia involves remaining calm and composed regardless of external circumstances. This equanimity is cultivated through mindfulness and rational reflection, allowing one to respond to challenges and setbacks with a balanced and thoughtful approach.

Stoics emphasise the importance of focusing on the present moment and finding contentment. This mindfulness helps reduce anxiety about the future and regrets about the past, fostering a sense of peace and satisfaction with life.

Achieving euthymia contributes to happiness by accepting what cannot be controlled and focusing on virtuous living. Individuals experience less anxiety and stress, leading to greater emotional stability. A calm and composed mind is better equipped to handle life’s challenges, leading to greater resilience and overall well-being. Euthymia allows individuals to find satisfaction and contentment within themselves rather than relying on external sources of happiness, leading to a deeper and more lasting sense of fulfilment. Euthymia emphasises moderation and mindfulness, helping individuals lead balanced, harmonious lives conducive to sustained happiness.

Euthymia is essentially believing in yourself and trusting the path you have chosen. It is not being distracted by the many alternative paths you could follow. It is the ability to not be shaken, distracted, or doubted. Believing in yourself and knowing your goals is paramount to your success and happiness.

 

Areté

Areté is a concept signifying excellence. Something is considered excellent when it performs its function well and reaches its full potential. It’s about fulfilling your inherent purpose in the best possible way. In Stoicism, you achieve this excellence by living virtuously. In other words, a life guided by reason leads to the arete of a human being.

Areté is one crucial skill for achieving eudaimonia, and Stoics strive for this kind of happiness – eudaimonic happiness. If you want to live a life where you can keep peace of mind and serenity even in the middle of a storm, you should strive for it, too.

To attain a higher level of happiness, one must embrace Areté. Although areté directly translates to virtue or excellence, it also carries a deeper meaning: “being your highest self.” While eudaimonia represents the feeling of being aligned with our ideal self, areté is the path to achieving this alignment.

However, Areté is not a destination but a continuous presence in our lives. It influences every moment, guiding us to focus on the quality of our actions and experiences. By doing our best in each moment, we eliminate regret and allow ourselves to flourish.

Practice

For the Stoics, the only true good is virtue, which encompasses wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. External circumstances, such as wealth, health, and social status, are considered indifferent—neither inherently good nor bad. Happiness is thus derived from cultivating virtue, irrespective of external conditions.

Stoics believed that to achieve happiness, one must live in harmony with reason. This involves understanding the natural order and aligning one’s actions and desires. Humans, as rational beings, are part of this natural order and must use their reason to live virtuously.

A fundamental tenet of Stoicism is the dichotomy of control. We should focus on what is within our control—our thoughts, actions, and attitudes—while accepting what is not, such as external events and other people’s actions. This acceptance leads to inner peace and resilience.

The Stoics advocated for the consistent practice of virtue in daily life. This involves making moral choices, acting with integrity, and striving for personal excellence. Individuals can maintain a sense of fulfilment and contentment by focusing on being virtuous.

Self-awareness and introspection are crucial in Stoicism. Mindfulness allows individuals to recognise and regulate their emotions, ensuring that their responses align with rational principles. Daily reflection on one’s actions helps reinforce virtuous behaviour and correct mistakes.

The Stoics recommended a technique known as “premeditatio malorum” or negative visualisation. By contemplating potential adversities and losses, individuals can prepare themselves mentally and emotionally, reducing the impact of future misfortunes and appreciating what they have.

Stoicism teaches detachment from material possessions and external achievements. By understanding that these are indifferent, individuals can maintain equanimity in the face of loss or change. This detachment fosters a sense of inner freedom and stability.

Stoic resilience involves enduring hardships with dignity and strength. By recognising that suffering is a part of life and that it can be an opportunity for growth, individuals can transform adversity into a source of personal development.

Gratitude is a key component of Stoic happiness. By appreciating the present moment and acknowledging the good in their lives, individuals can foster a positive outlook and reduce feelings of dissatisfaction.

What does this all mean?

Have I lost you yet? So, how does this 2000-year-old philosophy relate to being happy today? Living rationally means making decisions and living your life based on reason, logic, and evidence rather than on emotions, impulses, or unexamined beliefs. It involves critical thinking, evaluating information and arguments carefully, questioning assumptions and avoiding logical fallacies. Evidence-based decision-making is essential, as it means basing decisions on empirical evidence and reliable data rather than speculation or unfounded claims. Consistency is also crucial, ensuring that your beliefs, values, and actions are coherent and aligned. Open-mindedness plays a significant role, as it involves considering new evidence and changing your beliefs when warranted. Rational living is also goal-oriented, setting clear, achievable goals and planning to reach them logically and systematically. Emotional regulation is important, as it means acknowledging and understanding your emotions without letting them unduly influence your decisions. Finally, ethical consideration is vital, as it involves making choices that consider the well-being of others and are based on a reasoned understanding of moral principles. Living rationally involves balancing reason and emotions while aligning your actions with rational principles for a fulfilling and ethical life.

The idea that not living up to your potential can affect your happiness is rooted in several psychological and philosophical principles. According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualisation is the pinnacle of human needs, involving realising one’s potential and finding personal fulfilment. If you don’t strive to reach your potential, you might miss out on this sense of fulfilment, leading to dissatisfaction or unhappiness. Having a sense of purpose and working towards goals that align with your potential gives life meaning. When you underutilise your abilities, you might feel your life lacks direction, resulting in feelings of emptiness or lack of satisfaction. Additionally, accomplishing tasks and reaching goals contributes to higher self-esteem. If you’re not challenging yourself or striving to reach your potential, you might feel less confident and capable, negatively impacting your self-esteem and overall happiness.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talks about the state of “flow,” where individuals are fully immersed and engaged in activities, often achieved when people are working to their full potential. If you’re not pushing yourself, you might miss out on these deeply satisfying experiences. As people age, they often reflect on their lives and assess whether they’ve made the most of their opportunities. Not striving to reach your potential can lead to regrets about missed opportunities and what might have been, which can be a source of unhappiness later in life. People also compare themselves to their peers (even though this is completely out of your control); seeing others achieving their potential while you feel they are not can lead to feelings of inadequacy or envy, diminishing your happiness.

Furthermore, engaging in activities that challenge you and help you grow can positively affect your mental and emotional health. Conversely, feeling stuck or stagnant can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which impact happiness. Not living up to your potential can lead to a sense of unfulfillment, lack of purpose, lower self-esteem, missed experiences of flow, potential regret, negative social comparisons, and poorer mental health, all of which can detract from your overall happiness. On the other hand, striving to reach your potential can contribute to a richer, more satisfying, and happier life.

Contributing positively to society is an integral piece and has been elevated on my list of focus and attention. Engaging in activities that benefit others provides a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that your actions have a meaningful impact. Positive contributions often involve interacting with others through volunteering, community work, or helping neighbours, which builds social connections, reduces loneliness, and creates a sense of belonging. Helping others increases empathy and compassion, fostering a deeper sense of human connection and understanding. Engaging in altruistic activities also leads to personal growth, developing new skills, and gaining insights that contribute to overall development. Furthermore, focusing on others’ needs can reduce stress and anxiety, as acts of kindness trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, promoting well-being. Being part of a larger movement towards positive change enhances your sense of community and shared goals, creating a positive cycle that encourages others to do the same. When your actions align with your core values and beliefs, they lead to inner peace and happiness, giving you a sense of integrity and contentment.

Let’s circle back to my meaning of happiness in a summary of what works for me:

Happiness is living a life consistent with your deepest values. It is not a destination but a continuous journey of personal growth and meaningful living. You strive for excellence in every interaction, consistently being the best version of yourself and meeting your highest potential. Doing your best in each moment eliminates regret and allows us to thrive with a clear conscience. Happiness is a life of virtuous activity in accordance with reason, cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. It is authentic and full of integrity. It is inner peace and resilience, regardless of external circumstances. It’s knowing and living your purpose. If you additionally contribute positively to society, you will be fulfilled. You will not only find satisfaction and contentment within yourself, but you will flourish; that is happiness.