Open to Debate The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?
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Dec 20, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, journalist Naima Reza moderates a captivating debate on happiness featuring Jeffrey Rosen, the CEO of the National Constitution Center and author on virtue's impact on American values. They tackle whether happiness should derive from virtue or pleasure, referencing philosophical giants like Socrates and Aristotle. The conversation highlights the significance of self-mastery, meaningful relationships, and the impact of income inequality. Ultimately, they balance the intertwined pursuit of pleasure and virtue in leading a fulfilling life.
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Happiness: Virtue vs. Pleasure
- Happiness is a complex idea explored in the Declaration of Independence's pursuit of it.
- It can be pursued through virtue (doing good) or pleasure (feeling good).
Defining Happiness
- Happiness is subjective and can stem from various sources like enjoying intellectual debates or practicing virtues like industry.
- Both Roger Crisp and Jeffrey Rosen consider themselves happy individuals.
Rosen's Pursuit of Virtue
- Jeffrey Rosen read classical philosophers during COVID, discovering their emphasis on virtue as happiness.
- He found this pursuit transformative and now practices deep reading daily, inspired by the founders' industry.
