Video - Defining the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives on Happiness and Fulfillment
What does it mean to live a good life? This question has puzzled humanity for millennia, inviting a myriad of perspectives from philosophers across the ages. Aristotle proposed that eudaimonia, often translated as 'flourishing' or 'happiness,' is achieved through virtuous living and fulfilling one's potential. In contrast, the Stoics, like Epictetus, argued that a good life is one lived in accordance with nature, embracing rationality and accepting what is beyond our control. Meanwhile, existentialists like Sartre contended that life’s meaning is not predetermined; instead, it’s our responsibility to create our own essence through choices and actions. These differing views reveal the complexity of defining a good life—whether tied to virtue, rationality, or personal freedom. Ultimately, perhaps the good life is a synthesis of these ideas: a balance of virtuous action, rational acceptance, and authentic self-creation. While there may not be a one-size-fits-all answer, exploring these perspectives can guide us in shaping our own path to fulfillment.