Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Aristotle and Plato ICYMI
Feb 27, 2023
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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.
Plato stressed the need to avoid or remove temptations whenever possible and to make desired actions more salient and pleasurable, reinforcing the importance of creating environments that support the desired behavior and training ourselves to derive pleasure from virtuous actions.
Plato believed that the ideal society is one where individuals can flourish by cultivating virtues and engaging in activities that are good, virtuous, and pleasurable, aligning with modern scientific findings on happiness and well-being.
Plato highlighted the importance of self-control and training the mind to control our appetites by avoiding or removing temptations, and cultivating habits that align with virtues and moral values, aligning with modern understanding of habit formation and self-regulation.
Deep dives
Understanding Plato's Insights on Self-Control
Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed in the importance of self-control and understanding the internal struggle within ourselves. He used metaphors, such as the charioteer controlling wild horses, to describe how to rein in our desires and passions. Plato stressed the need to avoid or remove temptations whenever possible and to make desired actions more salient and pleasurable. He recognized that the horse of appetite, driven by physical desires, cannot be completely controlled except through avoidance or external measures. On the other hand, the horse of spirit, driven by honor and social desires, is trainable. By cultivating habits that make virtuous actions pleasurable and natural, we can train our spirit horse to follow the path we desire. Plato's insights align with modern scientific findings on habit formation and self-control strategies. It reinforces the importance of creating environments that support the desired behavior, removing temptations, and training ourselves to derive pleasure from virtuous actions.
Exploring Plato's Ideas on Happiness
Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, delved into the concept of happiness and its connection to human nature in his book, The Republic. He believed that the ideal society is one where individuals can flourish. Plato argued for the cultivation of virtues, behaviors that are intermediate between two extremes. For instance, bravery lies between cowardice and recklessness. Plato emphasized that happiness should not solely be based on short-lived hedonistic pleasure, but on long-lasting, thriving qualities. He introduced the concept of eudaimonia, spiritual flourishing, which involves spending time engaging in activities that are good, virtuous, and pleasurable. Modern science supports Plato's insights, suggesting that living a moral life, establishing meaningful connections, and finding work that provides a sense of purpose contribute to overall happiness and well-being.
The Importance of Self-Control in Training the Mind
Plato's teachings on self-control and training the mind resonate with the modern science of habit formation and self-regulation. He highlighted the internal strife within ourselves, using metaphors like the charioteer controlling unruly horses. Plato recognized that human beings are governed by both rational and animalistic parts. To control our appetites driven by physical desires, such as food or sex, Plato advised avoiding or removing temptations. For the spirited part of ourselves driven by honor and social desires, Plato suggested cultivating habits that align with virtues and moral values. By making desired behaviors pleasurable and natural, we can train our spirit horse, allowing it to support our journey towards happiness and well-being.
Fostering Virtuous Habits and Moderation
Plato emphasized the importance of cultivating virtues and moderation to achieve happiness and personal flourishing. Virtuous behavior, according to Plato, lies between extremes and reflects characteristics like bravery, temperance, and justice. He advocated that individuals practice and develop virtues to cultivate a fulfilling life. Plato proposed that by aligning our actions with these virtues, they become natural and pleasurable. The process of habituating ourselves to virtuous actions reinforces positive behavior. Plato's ideas align with modern scientific understanding of habit formation and the role of moderation in promoting personal and societal well-being.
The Role of Social Support in Behavior Change
Plato recognized the influence of social interactions in shaping individual behavior and well-being. He believed that surrounding oneself with friends who appreciate and support one's virtues and values enhances personal growth and self-control. Plato suggested that friendships based on mutual appreciation of values are lasting and encourage virtuous behavior. Modern science corroborates the importance of social support in behavior change and habit formation. Studies show that engaging in healthy habits together with friends or seeking social connections with like-minded individuals can reinforce positive behaviors and promote personal well-being.
The Greek thinker Socrates was put to death for encouraging his students to question everything - from their own beliefs to the laws and customs of Athenian society. But his ideas didn't die with him.
Here's a chance to hear two episodes from our archive examining the legacy of Socrates, and how he influenced the thinking of Plato and Aristotle. Turns out the Ancient Greeks had a lot to say about how to live a happier life.
