Aristotle had a big secret to longer lasting happiness. Once you learn this secret, you will be happier. Read on…
As many of my readers know I have a Platonic crush on Aristotle, the Greek philosopher.
I write about Aristotle a lot in my books, courses and essays.
I even named my son “Ari” as a wink to Aristotle’s name because I found his happiness philosophies so game changing.
My #1 favorite philosophy from Aristotle:
- The reason why so many people are unhappy is that they confuse “pleasure” for “true happiness.”
In this essay I will share with you Aristotle’s explanation of the important difference between pleasure vs happiness – so you can learn to be truly happier.
1. What is Pleasure?
Aristotle calls pleasure “hedonia. ”
And this kind of enjoyment is all about immediate gratification of the body and/or ego.
- It’s impulse-driven hedonism.
- Hit and run joy.
- Superficial and fleeting.
Basically, pleasure is fake happiness.
When you’re caught up in “pleasure,” you’re ….
- “body-focused” (seeking lust and junk food)
- “ego-focused” (seeking fame and status )
- “superficially-externally-focused” (seeking lots of attention on social media or shopping up a storm)
Quickie spoiler alert: True happiness comes from being…
- “soul-focused” (seeking people and habits which help you to grow your soul)
2. What is Happiness?
Aristotle calls happiness “eudaimonia.”
This kind of enjoyment is all about surrounding yourself with good habits and good people who stretch your soul in a loving way.
For example…with true happiness you spend time with…
- soul-connected true friends (who understand you on a deep level and are rooting for you)
- soul-connected loyal love partners. (Ditto to the above!)
- soul-connected fulfilling habits (which are true to your unique self – and help you to grow – like piano, tennis, guitar, writing, reading, learning of any kind, etc)
Basically, true happiness is about …
- surrounding yourself with habits and people who help you to become your highest potential
Often true happiness requires “delayed gratification” before the happiness high kicks in.
For example…you have to…
- study hard before you learn something awesome
- practice lots before you excel at a passion
- communicate with loved ones about difficult things in an honest way
- patiently listen to loved ones – even if you disagree
- courageously share vulnerable conversation which leads to an amazing intimacy
So, if you want to be happy, you have to be ready to put in the extra effort of strong character values, including…
- discipline
- patience
- courage
But when you do bother to work on your character values (to achieve true happiness), your levels of contentment and fulfillment get amped up higher than pleasure can ever take you.
Plus true happiness creates “long-haul joy” – unlike pleasure – which is fleeting.
Why?
Because true happiness is all about growing who you are – inside of yourself.
When you’re seeking true happiness, you’re seeking to become a better person.
So true happiness lasts as long as YOU last.
Aristotle’s secret to longer lasting happiness…
- You must recognize: True happiness is about recognizing that your soul is your ultimate g-spot for happiness
- And you must know: True happiness cannot be found in your ego or body.
If you want sustaining happiness…
- You gotta do actions your soul can be proud of!
Become the happiest person you know…
Check out my bestselling book, Think Happy!
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It’s the perfect gift for someone you want to cheer on or cheer up – including yourself!
Think happier. Think calmer.
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