This is one of the clearest breakdowns of eudaimonia I’ve seen — thank you.
What hit me most was the framing of happiness as active excellence, not passive contentment. It explains why some of the happiest people I know are also the most exhausted — not from burnout, but from pursuing meaningful work aligned with their character.
This is one of the clearest breakdowns of eudaimonia I’ve seen — thank you.
What hit me most was the framing of happiness as active excellence, not passive contentment. It explains why some of the happiest people I know are also the most exhausted — not from burnout, but from pursuing meaningful work aligned with their character.
Also loved the distinction between lower and higher pleasures. Aristotle wasn’t anti-pleasure — he was just pro-purpose. In a culture that confuses ease with fulfillment, this reminder is radical.
To me, the real shift is this: happiness isn’t something you chase, it’s something you build through repetition, integrity, and devotion to a cause greater than yourself. A life of virtue is slow, messy, and deeply rewarding — not glamorous, but luminous.
Would love to hear your take on how Aristotle’s ethics intersect with modern habit science (à la James Clear or Charles Duhigg). Feels like there’s a fascinating synthesis there.
This is one of the clearest breakdowns of eudaimonia I’ve seen — thank you.
What hit me most was the framing of happiness as active excellence, not passive contentment. It explains why some of the happiest people I know are also the most exhausted — not from burnout, but from pursuing meaningful work aligned with their character.
Also loved the distinction between lower and higher pleasures. Aristotle wasn’t anti-pleasure — he was just pro-purpose. In a culture that confuses ease with fulfillment, this reminder is radical.
To me, the real shift is this: happiness isn’t something you chase, it’s something you build through repetition, integrity, and devotion to a cause greater than yourself. A life of virtue is slow, messy, and deeply rewarding — not glamorous, but luminous.
Would love to hear your take on how Aristotle’s ethics intersect with modern habit science (à la James Clear or Charles Duhigg). Feels like there’s a fascinating synthesis there.
Thanks again — deeply nourishing piece.