I've been struggling with my happiness of late. These words ring very true with my inner strength - and weaknesses - and I thank you for this timely lesson which will serve me very well in my coming days!
That quote from Aristotle is actually a paraphrased quote, the exact quotation you add came from Will Durant. (Obviously translations tend not to be so poetic, but the vibe is there). Just a fun fact for your day!
I enjoyed reading! I've begun incorporating some of these steps and I feel more content. My only concern is that this blueprint isn't conducive to the capitalist society we live in today. We chase after wealth out of necessity. We can try to make money off our talents, but sometimes it leads nowhere or burnout. To be able to use your mind is to have free time for yourself, something many people do not. It's sad because it seems happiness can be found in leisure which we don't have much of these days.
this is beautiful. as I wrote “happiness doesn’t arrive by luck or approval; it’s by the quiet work of knowing what you want and finding the courage to pursue it.” the willingness to outgrow your old definitions and being in that creation again and again until it becomes your nature to choose what feels true over what feels easy. <3 https://stillroom.cibellelevi.com/p/learning-to-move-in-the-direction
Good insights, especialy: "happiness arises by actively cultivating your best qualities, not just passively enjoying comforts." But Aristotle doesnt seems so happy in the picture. 😅
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.
Gratitude is the key to happiness. That's why there are so many miserable wealthy people, and so many happy poor people.
If you aren't grateful for what you have, you will never be happy.
Well said.
Ikigai philosophy in short
I've been struggling with my happiness of late. These words ring very true with my inner strength - and weaknesses - and I thank you for this timely lesson which will serve me very well in my coming days!
Love reading these on this platform
Thanks Chase!
Great article CC! A life of virtue and meaning are indeed the keys to a happy life.
That quote from Aristotle is actually a paraphrased quote, the exact quotation you add came from Will Durant. (Obviously translations tend not to be so poetic, but the vibe is there). Just a fun fact for your day!
Great article!
I enjoyed reading! I've begun incorporating some of these steps and I feel more content. My only concern is that this blueprint isn't conducive to the capitalist society we live in today. We chase after wealth out of necessity. We can try to make money off our talents, but sometimes it leads nowhere or burnout. To be able to use your mind is to have free time for yourself, something many people do not. It's sad because it seems happiness can be found in leisure which we don't have much of these days.
Good insight 😌 Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
this is beautiful. as I wrote “happiness doesn’t arrive by luck or approval; it’s by the quiet work of knowing what you want and finding the courage to pursue it.” the willingness to outgrow your old definitions and being in that creation again and again until it becomes your nature to choose what feels true over what feels easy. <3 https://stillroom.cibellelevi.com/p/learning-to-move-in-the-direction
Good insights, especialy: "happiness arises by actively cultivating your best qualities, not just passively enjoying comforts." But Aristotle doesnt seems so happy in the picture. 😅
All the great thinkers, including the ones from the east, are all basically saying the same thing:
Happiness comes from within, and anything “out there” won’t ultimately do it.
Solid in ourselves, doing our work - that’s happiness.
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.