โOne swallow does not make a spring, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.โโ
โ Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7
Simple Explanation:
Aristotle warns against mistaking temporary joys for true โhappiness (eudaimonia). Just as โa single swallowโs arrival doesnโt confirm springโs arrival, โshort-term pleasures (e.g., a vacation or promotion) canโt define lifelong flourishing โ only โsustained virtue and โrational activity can.
Real-World Connection:
โ โConsistent Fitness Routine โ
You โexercise 3x weekly (action) โ gain energy (short-term benefit) โ build lifelong health (durable good) โ maintain independence in old age (true happiness).
โก โMastering a Profession โ
You โstudy nightly (action) โ pass certification (immediate win) โ excel in your career (decade-long growth) โ earn respect through expertise (blessed fulfillment).
โข โThe Hidden Rule โ
True โhuman flourishing requires โtime-tested patterns, not isolated events. As spring needs โmany swallows, happiness demands โdaily acts of courage, wisdom, and justice.