Thinkers and philosophers of ancient times sorted out much in the way of living a meaningful and purposeful life. But after thousands of years of progress, material growth, and convenience, we largely fail to find meaning in our modern lives. Today we examine the philosophy of eudaimonia and how we can truly develop our sense of meaning and purpose (for free).
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Eudaimonia: Human Flourishing
The towering Greek philosopher Aristotle first proposed the concept of eudaimonia, an ancient Greek term often mistranslated to “happiness,” but more appropriately means “human flourishing.”
Many have misconstrued Aristotle’s philosophy as one in search of joy, pleasure, and reduction or elimination of pain. And indeed, much of human history and progress has been an endless effort to increase enjoyment and/or reduce pain. Microwaves cook faster. TVs and social media keep us entertained and distracted. Cars and escalators help us walk less and arrive sooner.
But in making living easier, human progress has at the same time undermined eudaimonia, keeping us from truly flourishing.
According to Aristotle, the eudaimonic life is an active, inquisitive, contemplative, and involved life. Eudaimonia involves the introduction of pain to provide growth, the involvement in community to connect and bond with our tribe, ideally with those who challenge us in our values and beliefs.
Hedonia: Pursuit of Feeling Good
In contrast, hedonia is the pursuit of “feeling good.” To feel good in this sense, one must aim to maximize pleasure and avoid pain. In doing so, one is more likely to live a life devoid of depth and community. The more time spent consuming the candy of the soul—pleasurable distractions like television or social media—the less time there is available for contemplation and engagement with our true selves.
When people run from difficult relationships, they are more likely to find all relationships difficult. As such, they become increasingly disengaged from in-person contact and miss out on the sense of belonging in society.
Hedonism isn’t just the pursuit of wealth, power, or an emotional high; it can be as simple as a constant avoidance of what causes us pain. That said, we must be careful not to characterize hedonia solely as a shallow pursuit; for some sense of pleasure is important and justified.
The eudaimonic life is an active, inquisitive, contemplative, and involved life.
Pursuit of Happiness and Fragility
A misaligned pursuit of happiness leads paradoxically to fragility, and eventually, unhappiness. We see it in our modern language. Broadening of the definitions of terms such as toxicity or violence are an example of how minor disagreements or high standards can be perceived and labeled as abuse. As we become more comfortable and less challenged, as our needs are easily met, our grievances become pettier. By engaging too often in the hedonia condition, we are happy in the short-term but discontent and lonely in the long-term. Discourse becomes polarized, differences are magnified, and common ground is overlooked.
Western culture celebrates and encourages hedonia; one need not be discouraged by the tendency to engage in some or even many of these behaviors—we all do. The idea is not to eliminate leisure completely or to fully embrace pain, but to be mindful and resist the urges to regularly do so.
Eudaimonia: The Four Pillars of Living a Meaningful Life
Similar concepts and themes emerge from those who report something akin to a sense of eudaimonia. These are the four pillars described by the ancients: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.
Those with meaning in their lives regularly engage in the following:
- They connect and bond with others in a face-to-face manner.
- They participate in worthwhile and engaging activities with their time. This sense of purpose comes from using skills and abilities to serve without asking for or expecting anything in return.
- They create narratives and stories to provide meaning and to explain their place in the world. These narratives can connect and explain both positive and negative experiences that have shaped our lives.
- They discuss spiritual or mystical experiences, or discuss self-loss. This idea of transcendence allows us to feel as though we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Contemplate the Motivation
Many of you will find yourself on this website in anticipation of achieving financial independence and perhaps quitting a job. The belief that decreasing the pain associated with work and increasing the pleasure associated with leisure will make us happier is alluring, but it is flawed. Over 2,000 years ago the ancient philosophers warned us of the excesses brought on by leisure and convenience. Yet we still fail to heed their insight and learn from timeless observations of human behavior.
By all means, secure financial independence. But do not do so in pursuit of a life of leisure. Be engaged with your community, use your inherent skills and passions for good, and provide quiet time for contemplation. Find a sense of spirituality, however that looks for you. Resist acting with the anticipation of recognition or reward. Embrace difficult emotions and relationships to enable learning and growth. Use this opportunity not to eliminate problems, but to create better problems.
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