I've been struggling with my happiness of late. These words ring very true with my inner strength - and weaknesses - and I thank you for this timely lesson which will serve me very well in my coming days!
That quote from Aristotle is actually a paraphrased quote, the exact quotation you add came from Will Durant. (Obviously translations tend not to be so poetic, but the vibe is there). Just a fun fact for your day!
This is one of the clearest breakdowns of eudaimonia I’ve seen — thank you.
What hit me most was the framing of happiness as active excellence, not passive contentment. It explains why some of the happiest people I know are also the most exhausted — not from burnout, but from pursuing meaningful work aligned with their character.
Also loved the distinction between lower and higher pleasures. Aristotle wasn’t anti-pleasure — he was just pro-purpose. In a culture that confuses ease with fulfillment, this reminder is radical.
To me, the real shift is this: happiness isn’t something you chase, it’s something you build through repetition, integrity, and devotion to a cause greater than yourself. A life of virtue is slow, messy, and deeply rewarding — not glamorous, but luminous.
Would love to hear your take on how Aristotle’s ethics intersect with modern habit science (à la James Clear or Charles Duhigg). Feels like there’s a fascinating synthesis there.
Gratitude is the key to happiness. That's why there are so many miserable wealthy people, and so many happy poor people.
If you aren't grateful for what you have, you will never be happy.
Well said.
Ikigai philosophy in short
I've been struggling with my happiness of late. These words ring very true with my inner strength - and weaknesses - and I thank you for this timely lesson which will serve me very well in my coming days!
Love reading these on this platform
Thanks Chase!
Great article CC! A life of virtue and meaning are indeed the keys to a happy life.
That quote from Aristotle is actually a paraphrased quote, the exact quotation you add came from Will Durant. (Obviously translations tend not to be so poetic, but the vibe is there). Just a fun fact for your day!
Great article!
Good insight 😌 Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
This is one of the clearest breakdowns of eudaimonia I’ve seen — thank you.
What hit me most was the framing of happiness as active excellence, not passive contentment. It explains why some of the happiest people I know are also the most exhausted — not from burnout, but from pursuing meaningful work aligned with their character.
Also loved the distinction between lower and higher pleasures. Aristotle wasn’t anti-pleasure — he was just pro-purpose. In a culture that confuses ease with fulfillment, this reminder is radical.
To me, the real shift is this: happiness isn’t something you chase, it’s something you build through repetition, integrity, and devotion to a cause greater than yourself. A life of virtue is slow, messy, and deeply rewarding — not glamorous, but luminous.
Would love to hear your take on how Aristotle’s ethics intersect with modern habit science (à la James Clear or Charles Duhigg). Feels like there’s a fascinating synthesis there.
Thanks again — deeply nourishing piece.