Video - Chasing Joy: The Timeless Quest for True Happiness

What does it mean to be truly happy? This question has puzzled humanity for centuries, from the ancient musings of Aristotle to the modern introspections of contemporary philosophers. Aristotle saw happiness as a virtuous activity of the soul related to living a life in accordance with reason, while Bentham argued happiness was a balance of pleasure over pain. Yet, critics like Nietzsche suggested that true happiness might not even be the aim of life, instead favoring the pursuit of meaning through struggle and self-overcoming. In today's consumer-driven society, happiness is often marketed as a product—a bigger house, a better job, a thinner body. But does this materialistic notion truly fulfill us, or does it merely distract us from deeper, more fulfilling pursuits? Happiness could be seen as ephemeral, elusive, and subjective, yet pursuing it remains central to the human experience. Perhaps the resolution lies in a more nuanced blend: the fulfillment of basic needs, the pursuit of personal goals, and the fostering of meaningful relationships. Ultimately, happiness may not be a state to be attained, but a journey to be embraced, layered with complexities and ever-changing circumstances that challenge us to constantly redefine what truly makes us happy.