39. Why Is It Complicated To Live A Happy Life?

MPU3192
Philosophy and Current Issues

Wei Qi Wen
ME124

According to the famous Greek philosopher, Aristotle, ‘Happiness depends upon

ourselves’ (Pursuit of Happiness, 2023). However, in our complex modern environment,
happiness is like clutching water in our hands – the tighter and harder we grasp, the faster
the water leaks away. So why does happiness seem like an elusive concept when it is a
fundamental emotion of humanity? Throughout the course of our lives, we are subjected to
an avalanche of emotions that stem from societal pressures to personal struggles. These
unavoidable obstacles are often regarded as the root of our unhappiness. In this essay, I will
first define the meaning of ‘happiness’ according to Aristotle. Then, by integrating ancient
wisdom and contemporary perceptions, we will explore the complications that hinder our
path to happiness. Next, we will evaluate Aristotle’s theory of happiness and question its
applicability to a global society. Lastly, we will examine ways to obtain a happy life from a
current outlook.

Over 2,300 years ago, Aristotle introduced one of his most influential works, the
“Nicomachean Ethics”, when he proposed that one’s happiness is led by virtues (Kenny,
1999; Pursuit of Happiness, 2023; Zalta & Nodelman, 2022). Initially, to approach the
question of what is happiness, he draws upon his knowledge about nature. He states that for
living things to flourish, they must function well according to their temperaments – their ability
to seek nourishment and pleasure (Kenny, 1999). The great philosopher describes that the
soul is separated into different categories: a soul controlled by reason (such as passions or
desires) and a soul unconstrained by reason (such as normal bodily functions of digestion)
(Kenny, 1999; Zalta & Nodelman, 2022). Animals possess both these intrinsic qualities. Yet
what makes humans different from animals is our capacity to reason – a soul of reason itself
– which provides us the potential to live a better life (Kenny, 1999; Pursuit of Happiness,
2023; Zalta & Nodelman, 2022). Thus, he introduced the term ‘eudaimonia’. This Greek term
“eudaimon” consists of two parts: “eu” meaning good or well, and “daimon” meaning spirit or
divinity (Kenny, 1999; Moore, 2024; Pursuit of Happiness, 2023; Zalta & Nodelman, 2022).
Following this idea, to be eudaemon is suggestive of living a life that promotes well-being. To
live well, we must use our rationality to pursue excellence and perform actions that exhibit
good moral character (Kenny, 1999; Moore, 2024; Pursuit of Happiness, 2023; Zalta &
Nodelman, 2022). However, Aristotle also points out that our capacity to act virtuously with
reason is not the only factor in achieving happiness. We must also possess external goods,
such as wealth and friends, and bodily goods, including health and good looks, if we want to
achieve complete happiness (Kenny, 1999; Pursuit of Happiness, 2023). Physical
possessions, social relationships and community involvement are enrichments that promote
a virtuous life and enable us to achieve happiness over a lifetime. He then went on to
propose that happiness entails prioritising the attainment of a ‘greater good’ over a lifespan,
rather than succumbing to fleeting, immediate pleasures (Kenny, 1999; Moore, 2024; Pursuit
of Happiness, 2023; Zalta & Nodelman, 2022). Therefore, Aristotle posited that true
happiness is only attainable at the end of our life journey; it is a destination to strive for
rather than a passing moment of satisfaction. According to the Greek philosopher, happiness
is virtue-centred, objective, relationship-based, and enduring.

As individuals living in the modern world of the 21st century, we face a multitude of
external pressures from societal expectations, peer pressure, to cultural norms, which set an
invisible standard that we aim to achieve in life. Career success, relationships, and personal
achievements are all markers of success in our present society. These unseeing flags often
place pressure on us to choose certain pathways that are labelled ‘successful’ by
surrounding peers, even if these choices do not align with our personal values or aspirations.
For example, we may prioritise others’ expectations or societal standards and chase after
unanimous goals of prestigious careers or material wealth, while abandoning our sense of
fulfilment. As a result, we may feel discontented, anxious, stressed, or a sense of
inadequacy if we do not meet those expectations. By applying Aristotle’s ideology of virtue
ethics, we can overlook the superficial achievements of material wealth or status quo and
instead strive for a deeper sense of meaning in life that resonates with our values. Rather
than working tirelessly to obtain external goods that only satisfy momentary glamour and
others’ expectations, the cultivation of virtuous values such as integrity, compassion, and
resilience is more important. The realisation and attainment of these qualities can bring
gratifying happiness that lasts longer.

Peer pressure can significantly impact how we think and behave during adolescence
and young adulthood – a notable phase in our lives when we shape our identity. The desire
for acceptance and a sense of belonging might lead us to conform to peer pressure and
abandon our own beliefs and moral values. Differences in lifestyle choices, appearance, or
behaviours can generate feelings of insecurity, doubt, or disconnection. We may even lose
our authenticity due to the fear of rejection or abandonment by our society or close
community from having opposing interests. This can ultimately lead us to feel empty, lonely,
and dissatisfied. Aristotle’s theory of developing moral virtues is also helpful in these
instances. If we develop virtues such as courage, self-control, and integrity, we will be able
to resist negative influences from our peers and avoid taking part in dangerous behaviours
which not only harm us but also society. Building on values like autonomy can help us
navigate difficult situations by maintaining our own moral compass.

Cultural norms can also shape our beliefs, values, and identities within a given
society. Although cultural norms foster a sense of community and belonging, they can also
create expectations for us to fit into certain roles or standards of behaviour. The people
whose ideas fall out of the norm become marginalized and excluded from the rest of the
community. This can limit their freedom to express their most true selves and prevent the
formation of meaningful relationships. Within these seemingly restrictive environments, we
may feel isolated, frustrated, and aggravated. When faced with unagreeable social norms,
Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia can help us critically reflect our moral stance towards
those practices and act according to our own principles. In certain situations, such as moving
to a foreign place, accepting new social norms can prove to be difficult. Through Aristotle’s
theory, we can become more receptive to differences by fostering virtues of empathy and
open-mindedness.

Life is ultimately filled with complexities and challenges, all of which can be distilled
down to a central issue of comparison. Comparison plays a fundamental role in shaping our
perceptions, judgements, and behaviours across various aspects of life, from personal
relationships and career goals to societal expectations and cultural norms. Many of us
unknowingly evaluate our own circumstances in relation to others or to certain standards or
ideals. While it can be argued that comparison motivates the drive to achieve excellence, it
can bring unhappiness in the form of insecurities, dissatisfaction, jealousy, and stress. We
may fail to notice our unique strengths and circumstances while on a quest for impossible
perfection. Aristotle’s theory provides us with a roadmap for navigating these dilemmas in life
by focusing only on ourselves and prioritising moral excellence and ethical integrity.

Nonetheless, it should be highlighted that Aristotle’s view of happiness can be overly

idealistic and lack practical guidance. His focus on constructing internal values of virtue
neglects the uncontrollable external factors that can hinder an individual’s opportunity to
flourish. With the complex political and cultural surroundings that we face as social beings,
our ability to pursue happiness becomes increasingly difficult. For example, Aristotle’s
concept does not adequately apply to the realities of the Dalits, who were formally known as
“untouchables” as the lowest class in the caste system of India (The Editors of
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024). By categorizing individuals into distinct social groups
based on birth, several issues, including social discrimination, economic exploitation, denial
of opportunities, and political marginalisation, arise. The pursuit of eudaimonia assumes a
degree of autonomy that may be denied to Dalits, who face pervasive discrimination and
structural inequalities in education, employment, and social mobility despite legal efforts
(The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024). Their sense of self-worth and dignity may
deteriorate due to the profound psychological and emotional effects of unshakeable
oppression. As a result, the ability of Dalits to form supportive social connections within a
caste-based system and develop and exercise virtues in their daily lives is severely
constrained. While Aristotle’s theory offers valuable insights into the nature of human
flourishing, and thus attainment of happiness, it is limited in its applicability to marginalised
communities with diverse realities who face more immediate concerns and challenges in life.

Unlike Aristotle’s view that happiness is achieved over the course of a lifetime
through the consistent practice of virtuous actions, contemporary perspectives emphasize
hedonistic pleasure and subjective well-being. As a modern being, I believe that happiness
comes from a combination of both approaches: the construction of moral excellence and the
celebration of momentary pleasurable experiences. By building the foundation of virtuous
values, we will be able to make ethical decisions in challenging situations and guide our path
to wellbeing. It allows us to reflect on our beliefs and aspirations, which can clarify what
brings purpose and meaning to our lives. Without aspirations, we may not experience
fulfilment. However, there are times when we are lost and cannot find meaning. During these
confusing times, it is important to cherish all the positive aspects and experiences in life.
Through acknowledging small successes and appreciating the moments of fleeting joy,
optimism and resilience will be cultivated. Life will inevitably be a rollercoaster ride but
emotional well-being and satisfaction with life will only be obtained by consistently
appreciating momentary gratification, accepting, reflecting, and moving on to engage in
meaningful activities.

In conclusion, while the quest for happiness is fraught with challenges and
contradictions such as societal expectations, peer pressure, and cultural norms, it is also an
endeavour charged with meaning and purpose. Aristotle’s theory on virtue ethics provides a
guiding light for us to thrive in our journey but it also has its limitations in addressing the
systemic injustices and structural inequalities that complicate modern life. Nevertheless, by
critically engaging with Aristotle’s ideas and acknowledging the nuances of contemporary
life, we can embrace the complexities of life with intention, self-discovery, and fulfilment. In
the grand scheme of life and death, all matters appear trivial. Since we cannot predict when
challenges or surprises arrive, why should we not relish the present moment? While we may
not be able to extend the duration of our lives, we can endeavour to broaden its scope by
searching internally and externally to lead to a more meaningful and joyous existence. Let us
live in a manner that honours the time we have and ensure that it is filled with mindfulness
and contentment.

References
Kenny, A. J. P. (1999, May 27). Philosophy of mind of Aristotle. Encyclopedia Britannica.

[Link]

Moore, C. (2024, March 11). What is Eudaimonia? Aristotle and Eudaimonic Wellbeing.

[Link]. [Link]

Pursuit of Happiness. (2023, April 10). Aristotle: pioneer of happiness. [Link]

[Link]/history-of-happiness/aristotle/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, March 28). Dalit. Encyclopedia Britannica.

[Link]

Zalta, E. N., & Nodelman, U. (Eds.). (2022, July 2). Aristotle’s ethics. The Stanford

Encyclopedia of Philosophy. [Link]