“Happiness is an activity of soul in accordance with complete excellence.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7
Simple Explanation:
Aristotle defines eudaimonia (true happiness) not as passive joy, but as ongoing engagement of the mind and character. Complete excellence means harmonizing all virtues — courage, wisdom, justice — through daily choices, like a pianist mastering scales to perform symphonies.
Real-World Connection:
① Mastering a Language →
You practice Mandarin daily (activity) → memorize characters (skill excellence) → debate cultural nuances (intellectual excellence) → connect deeply with native speakers (soul-level fulfillment).
② Ethical Entrepreneurship →
A CEO balances profit and ethics → ensure fair wages (justice) → invest in green tech (prudence) → build a legacy beyond wealth (excellence in action).
③ The Hidden Rhythm →
Happiness is the symphony of small acts — morning jogging (physical virtue), mentoring juniors (social virtue), reading philosophy (intellectual virtue) — each note tuned to human potential’s full octave.