Simple Pleasures or a Good Life? Today’s Quest for Happiness

The endeavor to find happiness is as old as humanity itself, underpinning myriad philosophical tenets. Aristotle (384–322 BCE) once opined, ‘There’s a consensus that happiness stands as the pinnacle of human virtues.’ Plotinus (d. 270 CE) drew a parallel between a fulfilling life and happiness, proclaiming that ‘a life well-lived and happiness are synonymous.’ Saint Augustine (354–430 CE), in the medieval era, resonated with this, emphasizing our unyielding determination ‘to capture and hold onto happiness.’ Fast forward a few centuries, and the esteemed Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) concurred, suggesting that ‘for all rational beings, there lies a singular true purpose: the pursuit of happiness.’ In the 20th century, Erich Fromm (1900–1980) distilled this sentiment, observing that ‘Happiness serves as the benchmark for excellence in the art of living, exemplifying virtue in a humanistic ethical sense.’

Our collective yearning for happiness is undeniable, serving as a unifying thread weaving through the fabric of humanity. We all harbor the hope of experiencing happiness. For many, feelings of contentment and accomplishment signify its presence. The philosophers mentioned above consistently emphasize the intertwined nature of virtue and happiness. Yet, while this universal craving for happiness is a common thread, our individual interpretations and experiences of it remain diverse.

Defining Happiness

What exactly is happiness? The vastness of this concept often blurs its definition. Some contend that happiness is elusive to definition and is best felt rather than explained. However, its interpretation seems to be subjective. For one person, it might mean discovering a life purpose, for another, achieving a pivotal goal, and for someone else, it might be the harmonious integration of his personal and professional life. As we journey towards understanding happiness, we encounter intertwined notions such as joy, contentment, fulfillment, love, satisfaction, and euphoria. Above all, pleasure often stands out as the primary synonym. But is equating happiness to pleasure accurate?

Hedonism vs. Epicureanism

Ancient philosophies shed light on this. A viewpoint forged in ancient Greece, hedonism identified pleasure (delight) as the ultimate human aspiration. Observing the principles of the earliest hedonists, like the Cyrenaics led by Aristippus (c. 435–356 BCE), one could argue that they laid a blueprint for the modern individual. These hedonists advocated seeking pleasure relentlessly, aligning Greek virtue or areté (the art of living) with the mastery of experiencing optimal pleasure.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and one can say that echoes of hedonistic values resonate in contemporary society. Like Aristippus, many prioritize personal happiness, often sidelining the experiences of others. The emphasis on the present, over past or future experiences, further aligns modern views with those of Aristippus. While accumulating sensory pleasures might seem like a pathway to happiness, is it truly a recipe for attaining it? Some hedonists themselves acknowledged the potential pitfalls: pleasures can be addictive. As desires amplify, the appetite grows with feeding and the chase for more intense and varied experiences escalates. So, where is the finish line in this relentless pursuit of happiness?

Contrasting hedonism, the Epicurean philosophy, led by Epicurus (341‒270 BCE), preached a more tempered approach. Epicurus’ assertion, “To live happily is to live honorably, morally, and justly,” encapsulates the essence of Epicureanism. Relevant even today, Epicurus valued intellectual and spiritual pleasures over materialistic ones. He would argue that the joy from meaningful conversation, the satisfaction of a job well done, or the happiness from helping someone surpass the fleeting thrill of a luxurious meal or a new purchase.

Epicurus emphasized not just the chase of pleasure but also the evasion of pain, stress, and conflict. His ideal state of ataraxia, a peaceful soul, epitomizes the highest form of pleasure, nudging us closer to true happiness. This poses a challenge to modern individuals: can we nurture ourselves not by maximizing pleasures, but by mitigating anxieties, fears and negative emotions? Epicurus believed that for a contented life, we should curtail excessive desires, as unmet wishes can spur discontent. Evading pain and distress is as crucial as seeking pleasure. The pursuit of happiness, after all, should not come at any cost.

Finding Joy in Another’s Happiness

Navigating the intricacies of pleasure and happiness can be challenging. Often, the daily moments of joy are shadowed by our preconceived notions of what happiness should look like, causing us to overlook the treasures we already hold. There is a poignant truth in the idea that we sometimes only value happiness once it has slipped away. Do we, as modern individuals, truly know how to savor the moments of joy we encounter, allowing ourselves to fully experience it without yearning for more?

Esteemed German philosopher Max Scheler (1874‒1928) once penned, “True happiness stems from love and generosity. Indeed, ‘it’s more fulfilling to give than to receive’.” This perspective might be a refreshing detour for the modern individual, often caught in the whirlwind of looking for happiness. Perhaps, the key to genuine happiness lies not just in seeking it for ourselves, but in the joy we bestow upon others.

Sources:

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics, Warsaw 1956

Plotinus, Enneads, Vol. I, Warsaw 1959

St. Augustine, Philosophical Dialogues, Warsaw 1953

I. Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Warsaw 1953

E. Fromm, Man for Himself, Warsaw‒Wroclaw 1994

M. Scheler, Ressentiment and Morality, Warsaw 1977