The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Aristotle and Plato ICYMI

146 snips

Feb 27, 2023

Tamar Gendler, a Yale philosophy and cognitive science professor, shares insights on ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. They discuss how Socratic questioning can enrich our lives and happiness. Gendler explores Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, highlighting virtue and balance in personal growth. She also delves into Plato's teachings on managing desires, using the chariot metaphor to explain self-control. Together, they connect ancient wisdom to modern psychology, offering practical strategies for achieving fulfillment.

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INSIGHT

Eudaimonia: True Happiness

Aristotle's eudaimonia is about deep, moral happiness, not just short-term pleasure.
It emphasizes thriving and virtue, aligning with modern psychology findings that circumstances alone don't bring happiness.

ADVICE

Deep Dive into Values

Don't get deluded by momentary feelings, look for deeper patterns to truly understand what matters.
Dive deep into your values and desires, beyond surface-level introspection, to understand true happiness.

INSIGHT

Phronesis: Practical Wisdom

Practical wisdom (phronesis) is different from theoretical knowledge, it is a skill developed through practice.
Just like playing an instrument, happiness requires practice, not just understanding the theory.

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His Dark Materials

Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" is a fantasy trilogy following Lyra Belacqua as she journeys through a parallel universe where humans are accompanied by daemon companions. The series explores themes of free will, religious dogma, and the nature of truth. Lyra's adventures involve encounters with witches, armored bears, and other fantastical creatures. The trilogy's complex plot and philosophical depth have earned it critical acclaim and a devoted following.

The how of happiness

Sonja Lyubomirsky

In *The How of Happiness*, Sonja Lyubomirsky offers a detailed yet easy-to-follow plan to increase happiness. Drawing on her extensive research, Lyubomirsky explains that while 50% of happiness is determined by genetics and 10% by life circumstances, 40% can be controlled through intentional thoughts and behaviors. The book provides over a dozen uniquely formulated happiness-increasing strategies, including practicing optimism, savoring life's pleasures, and staying active. It also includes diagnostic quizzes to help readers understand their 'happiness set point' and select activities that best fit their personality, resources, and goals. Lyubomirsky emphasizes the importance of personalizing these strategies to achieve long-term happiness[1][4][5].

Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life[1][2][4].

The Republic

Plato