Happiness depends upon ourselves. Aristotle Quotes in English
Aristotle’s quote, "Happiness depends upon ourselves," highlights his belief that happiness, or eudaimonia, is a central aim of human life and shows how important personal responsibility is in achieving it. According to Aristotle, happiness is not just a temporary feeling of joy or contentment; it represents a deeper, long-lasting state of flourishing and well-being. He explains that this kind of happiness is achieved through living a life that is virtuous and fulfilling. It arises from our own actions, choices, and habits rather than being handed to us by others or relying on external circumstances, such as wealth, power, or luck.
Aristotle views happiness as a self-driven state. It requires effort and commitment to develop the qualities that lead to a fulfilling life. Happiness comes from living in alignment with virtues, which are defined as characteristics like courage, temperance, and wisdom. These virtues guide individuals in making good decisions and forming positive habits. Since we have control over our actions and decisions, we hold the key to developing these virtues. This means we are responsible for our own happiness, as it is tied to how we choose to live our lives.
While Aristotle recognizes that outside factors like health, wealth, and relationships can impact our happiness, he stresses that these are not the most crucial elements. The true essence of happiness comes from within, shaped by our responses to life’s challenges rather than the challenges themselves. This means that a person with a strong mindset and good virtues can find happiness even when faced with difficulties, while someone who lacks these qualities may feel unhappy despite having favorable circumstances.
The quote also implies that happiness is a personal journey, not something that can be fully dependent on others. Community and relationships play a role in our lives, but ultimately, each individual must cultivate their own happiness. Relying too much on external support can be risky, as those factors may change or be out of our control. Instead, by focusing on what we can manage—our thoughts, actions, and virtues—we can take charge of our own happiness.
Aristotle also suggests that happiness is an active process rather than a passive state. It is not something we simply possess; rather, it is something we work towards. Happiness results from engaging in meaningful activities and striving for personal growth. This ongoing pursuit of excellence and fulfillment leads to lasting happiness. Therefore, we are in charge of our happiness by choosing how we live and what priorities we set.
In his influential work, "Nicomachean Ethics," Aristotle elaborates on the concept of eudaimonia. While often translated as happiness, eudaimonia more accurately means flourishing or living a fulfilled life. For Aristotle, achieving eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human existence, representing the highest good that individuals strive for. He argues that we can reach this state by living in accordance with reason and virtue—something every person can actively work toward.
In summary, Aristotle’s remark, "Happiness depends upon ourselves," serves as an important reminder that our happiness does not solely arise from external influences, luck, or the actions of others. Instead, it hinges on our own choices, behaviors, and the way we navigate our lives. By fostering virtues, making ethical choices, and taking ownership of our own well-being, we are empowered to create and sustain happiness from within.