What is HAPPINESS according to the philosophy and how to ACHIEVE IT

Happiness is the main purpose of human life, a desire for well-being that, however, does not admit a single possible path or interpretation. In this Psychology-Online article, what is happiness according to philosophy and how to achieve it, we talk about it. The concept of happiness acquires a specific focus within a philosophical system developed by an author. The universal objective of happiness as the goal of life is a constant, however, the difficulty lies in establishing where it is. Since, for example, a person who puts her happiness in the desire for success and recognition is conditioning her well-being to an aspect that does not depend on herself: the praise and applause of others. Happiness, therefore, must start from the inner freedom of those who achieve this satisfaction through the right path.

Index

1. What is happiness according to philosophy
2. What is happiness according to Aristotle
3. What is happiness according to Victor Frankl
4. What is happiness according to Epicurus
5. Tips to achieve happiness

The concept of happiness it cannot be detached from the human and from the experience of living. Happiness is linked to being, rather than having. The search for happiness and reflection on this matter constitutes an important engine in the history of philosophy and of conversations around the meaning of existence. Many authors have expressed their vision in this regard, below we will see the reflections of some of them.

Aristotle, one of the most influential thinkers, expresses that happiness is a universal end of the human being. In other words, beyond the differences and circumstances of each person, this motivation is present in everyone's heart.

The satisfaction of happiness starts from the exercise of virtue as the basis for the practice of good, since a full life is also the consequence of virtuous and ethical actions. While there are many means that have a merely instrumental value, happiness is not a means but an end. The mistake often lies in giving a priority place in relation to this topic to an aspect that does not have this value.

For example, although the economic factor is present in lifestyle, money and material is a means. What happens when a person makes this medium an absolute search in his day to day? Far from achieving joy he experiences, the constant dissatisfaction of greed, leads him to focus on the lack of what he does not yet possess.

The founder of Logotherapy considers that the true fullness of the human being is part of the development of the search for meaning as meaning. This search for meaning is totally personal, that is, each protagonist must answer this question from their own reality. The light of meaning is a reason for hope even in adversity circumstances as the author himself showed through his book "Man in search of meaning"¹.

Each life story is totally unique and unrepeatable. Is internal reflection on the meaning of a situation, work or an episode can make a person reinterpret that information from a new dimension of growth and freedom.

The search for happiness is linked to the search for the pleasure that pleasure produces as opposed to the avoidance of those sufferings that are avoidable. A hedonism based on moderation and that finds in the exercise of friendship one of the highest pillars of happiness.

Here are some tips on how to achieve personal happiness through the reflections and affirmations of philosophy.

• Socrates, one of the most influential Greek thinkers, says: "I only know that I know nothing." A reflection that educate humility by helping us to be aware that what we know does not reach all that we can still discover.
• Know yourself. This is another of the most important messages of ancient Greek philosophy. Therefore, cultivate self-knowledge and the introspection of looking inside.
• Prioritize being versus having because happiness manifests itself in this order of reality. Avoid confusing appearance with happiness.
• Live in the present, remember the best of your past and see the future from the perspective of hope. Time is a constant in human existence, therefore, it establishes a constructive relationship with yesterday, today and tomorrow.
• Philosophy is a manifestation of wonder and admiration. In a time as technological as the current one, do not let the novelty of technological resources keep you away from the gift of being amazed by the beauty of the sky or the sea, for example. Namely, increase your conscious presence In nature.
• The practice of goodLike happiness, it is an end in itself. In other words, the greatest motivation that human beings experience when performing good actions is inner satisfaction.
• Read books of philosophy. By reading the thoughts of different authors you can form your own opinion on a subject that involves you as the protagonist: happiness. Delve into this matter, do not stay on the surface of things before the wide catalog of stimuli from the outside environment that seek your immediate attention. Philosophy is not governed by the influence of the viral but by a message that penetrates the reader from slow reflection. Therefore, you can select books on this subject in the library and in bookstores.
• Take care of your body, your mind and your inner world. Observe your integral reality as a human being. Take care of yourself because wellness is an integral purpose.
• Practice the power of forgiveness starting with yourself.

What does happiness mean to you? Reflect on this question, integrate this topic of conversation in your talks with others.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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1. Frankl, V. (2015). Man's Search for Meaning. Herder Editorial.

• Alarcón, R. (2015). The idea of ​​happiness. Notes on Science & Society, 5 (1), 2.
• Gómez-Lobo, A. (1999). Socrates' ethics. Andres Bello.
• Ossandón, J. C. (2001). Happiness and politics: the ultimate end of the Polis in Aristotle's philosophy.