“The good we are seeking is human good and the happiness of man.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7
Simple Explanation:
Aristotle asserts that human flourishing (eudaimonia) is a unique telos — distinct from animal survival or divine perfection. It’s achieved through cultivating virtues (courage, justice) and exercising reason — a dance of ethical rigor and intellectual depth only humans can perform.
Real-World Connection:
① Choosing a Purpose-Driven Career →
You reject a high-paying toxic job → embrace social work (virtuous choice) → empower marginalized youth (human good) → find fulfillment in others’ growth (species-specific happiness).
② Parenting Through Philosophy →
You teach children debate skills → sharpen their reason (tool for human excellence) → nurture empathy through Socratic dialogue (moral framework) → prepare them to architect societal good (happiness as human legacy).
③ The Human Equation →
While animals seek pleasure and gods possess perfection, human happiness = Virtue² × Reason — a formula where ethical choices amplify rational potential, creating a ripple effect across generations.