What is happiness? It’s a concept that has confounded intellectuals for ages, and yet it remains difficult to grasp. In our busy life, where we’re regularly exposed to images of the "perfect life," defining happiness can appear as searching for something intangible. But don’t worry, philosophers has been tackling this inquiry for centuries, and diving into its philosophical background can offer us useful ideas into what happiness actually is.
The Greeks of antiquity were some of the first to delve deeply into the notion of happiness. Aristotle, for example, suggested that true happiness, or "eudaimonic happiness," is achieved through leading a virtuous life and realizing one’s potential. He believed that happiness isn’t just a temporary feeling but a sustained experience that is the result of living a well-rounded and meaningful life. In contrast, the philosopher Epicurus advocated for a different perspective, believing that happiness is derived from the attainment of pleasure and the minimizing of pain—though, despite misunderstandings, he valued the skincare philosophy joys of the mind and spirit over mere physical indulgences.
Moving into the contemporary age, and the question of happiness has evolved. Contemporary philosophers like Sartre argued that happiness is personal and dependent on personal freedom, while others, like utilitarians, believe that happiness can be assessed by its utility to society. The beauty of philosophy is that it doesn’t prescribe a single answer. Instead, it provides different viewpoints, inviting us to ponder what happiness means for us individually. In a world focused on success and possessions, philosophy teaches us that happiness is a personal experience, not a place to reach.