“Happiness is activity in accordance with virtue, and this activity is its own reward.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7 Real-World Connection ① Social Entrepreneurship ② Athlete’s Ethical Triumph ③ Creative Integrity The Golden Equation
“Happiness is a thing reverenced and perfect; it is the starting-point and cause of all good.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 12 Explanation:Aristotle elevates eudaimonia (true happiness) as the ethical sun — a sacred, self-sufficient force that illuminates and nourishes all other virtues. Just as sunlight enables ecosystems to thrive, happiness radiates moral energy … Read more
“The dead are affected by the fortunes of their descendants, but not in a way to change their happiness.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 11 Explanation:Aristotle proposes a nuanced view: while the deceased retain a symbolic connection to living kin’s successes or failures, their eudaimonia (flourishing) — cemented by lifetime virtue — remains untouchable … Read more
“Happiness is a permanent condition; for the happy man will always or at least most frequently act and contemplate virtuously.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 10 Explanation:Aristotle posits that true happiness (eudaimonia) is not a fleeting emotion, but a stable state of being forged through habitual virtue. Like a river’s persistent flow shaping a … Read more
“Happiness seems to require this sort of prosperity; and hence some identify it with good fortune.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 8 Simple Explanation:Aristotle clarifies that external conditions (wealth, health, social status) enable — but don’t define — happiness. While good fortune (luck) jumpstarts opportunities, true eudaimonia demands ethical alignment of prosperity with virtue. … Read more
“Happiness is among the things we praise, but it is also something divine and blessed.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 8 Simple Explanation:Aristotle reveals the dual nature of happiness (eudaimonia) — it’s both humanly admirable (earning praise through virtuous deeds) and transcendent (a sacred alignment with cosmic order). Like sunlight reflecting on water, happiness … Read more
“Happiness demands not only perfect virtue but also a complete life.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7 Simple Explanation:Aristotle argues that true happiness (eudaimonia) requires two pillars: Real-World Connection:① Lifelong Learning →You study AI at 20 → pioneer tech ethics at 40 (virtue in practice) → advise climate solutions at 60 (cross-generational impact) → … Read more
“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 … Read more
“To say that the supreme good is happiness is a truism; what is wanted is to explain what constitutes happiness.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 4 Simple Explanation:Aristotle rejects vague notions of happiness. True supreme good (eudaimonia) isn’t fleeting joy or luck, but lifelong excellence achieved through virtuous activity (courage, wisdom) and rational purpose … Read more
“Happiness is the highest of all realizable goods.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 4 Simple Explanation:Aristotle defines happiness (eudaimonia) as the ultimate realizable good — the final aim that gives value to all other achievements (wealth, health, honor). Unlike fleeting pleasures, it requires lifetime cultivation of virtue, reason, and meaningful relationships. Real-World Connection:① Pursuing … Read more