Happiness and the Purpose of Life - 1087 Words

â€Å"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.† -Aristotle What is the purpose of life? This question has had a lot of controversy from ancient philosophers and even people today. Many people may ask this question, but few know the answer. Everyone is different and yet we all ask the same question. In my class right now there are twenty-three students. Students that have grown up together and long-time friends and some are newer than others. You can guess how a person will end up saying, â€Å"oh, that person is going to make it far.† Celebrities, musicians, teachers, parents, teenagers, and even adults have at one point asked: What is the purpose of life? Do we all have a destiny set up for us that we go along with according to plan? Or do we make our own choices, which makes our destiny? I think the purpose of life is to learn and grow from our decisions. We as individuals chose our destiny (AKA naturalism) and the outcome. Philosophers had many different opinions on there view of life. Aristotle believed that happiness was the central purpose of human life. He believed it depended on not only emotional but also physical well being also by achieving virtue. Aristotle’s theory is known as the theory of happiness. Because no matter how much money and wants that you have in the end (eudemonia) also known, as happiness is the only thing worth having. Buddhism believes that the purpose of life is to end suffering. TheShow MoreRelatedIs Happiness the Purpose of Life?1317 Words   |  5 Pageswant happiness.† So, what’s the purpose of life? Is it to be happy? Everyone has that desire, to have happiness. We even base our decision we by how it will affect our happiness. In our life we experience happiness and unhappiness, but we are oblivious as to what happiness is. What comes to mind when thinking of happiness? Is it pleasure, the thought of the good life, prosperity, or is it something else? We won’t be able to have a response to that question until we have a notion of happiness. WhenRead MoreAristotle s Happiness As A Central Purpose Of Human Life And A Goal868 Words   |  4 PagesAristotle enshrines happiness as a central purpose of human life and a goal in itself. As a result his constant work on the topic has brought light on the subject than any other philosopher in history. Aristotle was convinced that a genuinely happy life required the fulfillment of a broad range of conditions, in conjunction with physical as well as mental well-being. Aristotle believed virtues led to happiness and virtues meant the act of achieving balance and moderation. More importantly, AristotleRead MoreThe Well Being Aristotle And Human Happiness1000 Words   |  4 PagesOur Well-Being: Aristotle and Human Happiness What is the purpose of a human being? â€Å"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence† (Nicomachean Ethics). When one thinks about happiness, these words said by Aristotle allow us to understand its significance. Through Aristotle’s teachings, he made it clear that the point of life is to be happy. Aristotle uses the word happiness as having to do with a person’s life as a whole, and not as the constant desireRead MoreSocrates, Plato, and Aristotels View on Happiness1529 Words   |  7 PagesWhat Is Happiness What is happiness, and how can one achieve true happiness? This is the ultimate question of life and what every person is seeking an answer to. Many feel that they have found their answer in belonging to the faith of their choice, but what is it that their faith teaches them that brings them happiness? The Philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle all have a similar view on what happiness is and how to achieve it. Aristotles view is based on Platos and Platos is based on SocratesRead MoreThe Human Function as It Pertains to Happiness Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesThe Human Function as it Pertains to Happiness Humans have a function, according to Aristotle, and so it would follow that fulfilling that function makes us happy. Before we can establish that fulfilment of purpose results in happiness, we must first establish what the human function actually is, and also what constitutes good and happiness for humans. Aristotle’s arguments for happiness and human purpose help to provide answers to these questions, though as with all philosophical topics there areRead MoreHappiness : Is It Just A Thing?757 Words   |  4 PagesHappiness seems familiar with many of people. It is not measurable, touchable, profitable, nor tradable. Yet, by describing through those word above, happiness is what human seek. Definitely, every people want to be happy and no one wants to be sad. They do not only want to have happiness, but also they want to have a lot of it. However, happiness, like an untouchable thing, is an impossible thing to grasp in one’s hand. It is intangible. So how does one know if they have it? Is it just a feelingRead MoreThe Pursuit of Meaning Essay1219 Words   |  5 PagesStampede! Before you know it, people are running, pushing, grabbing items off the nearest shelf, just for the sheer fact that it’s on sale. Happiness can obviously be bought, right? Wrong. Contrary to popular belief, the idea of acceptance, or in other words, the ability to be vulnerable towards other, is taking over this culture because of the search for happiness that Americans pride themselves in taking, and sooner or later, something needs to change. As defined by the online dictionary, vulnerableRead MoreAristotle s Argument For The Function Of Man1585 Words   |  7 PagesNicomachean Ethics I.7, defined happiness as the central good that motivates all of man’s endeavors (function), in that happiness â€Å"is in itself worthy of pursuit more final than that which is worthy of pursuit for the sake of something else†¦ is always desirable in itself and never for the sake of something else.† (NE 1.7, 1097a 32-34) What is interesting to note here, is that in this sense, happiness, rather than a mental state of the mind, is perceived as a good; happiness is something that serves anRead MoreEssay on Summer Reading756 Words   |  4 PagesTo follow a life of success, happiness, and fulfillment will always begin by observing ourselves, from finding inner peace, figuring out your purpose, and pursuing it through hard work with the passion to commit in to our goal that will shape up our life. Without persistence and h ard work it is impossible to succeed. A life without direction could lead to a path of uncertainty and without contentment. Also a life without inner peace is a life without true happiness. To follow a life of success, happinessRead MoreEnglish Preliminary Speech : My Name Is Tom Hanaee1029 Words   |  5 PagesConference. My name is Tom Hanaee, C: And I am Christian Damiano. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. T: Now this quote may seem random and out of place, but it in fact reflects the entire purpose and conceptual focus of today’s presentation. This seminar revolves around the exploration of meaning and purpose in an individual’s life, specifically as a response to the Aristotelian quote ‘Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.’ This quote that mimics