Aristotle On Happiness: Aristotle's View Of Happiness

Aristotle on Happiness In this essay, Aristotle’s view of happiness presented in The Nicomachean Ethics is reviewed. As seen in Aristotle’s writing, he states that everyone attempts to attain supreme good, or happiness. Aristotle’s view of happiness is examined by considering a concrete case of my uncle who is a wealthy businessman. His wealth consists of a big house, expensive cars, and few import and export companies. He has a loving wife as well as three children. Through his life you can truly see the connection to Aristotle’s view of happiness.

Aristotle believes that happiness is a chief good and it is a final and self-sufficient end. He believes that happiness is sufficient as an end in itself. He says that everyone aims to attain for some end, and every action that one does contributes to achieve this aim. He also articulates that

Intellectual virtue is the category of activities that brings happiness via self-intelligence. Happiness can be achieved by performing activities in the most efficient way. Ever since he was a child, my uncle was very talented in photography; however, due to his busy lifestyle, he does not get enough time to enjoy his passion in photography. In Aristotle’s view, moral virtue is also an integrated part of human excellence. Moral excellence represents good ethics and character. Human behavior should be durable and consistence regarding happiness. My uncle tries his best to be a good person; however, in certain circumstances, such as during a stressful work day he behaves rudely to others. During a recession time, he laid-off some of his employees. He sees this as an ethical decision; however this is seen as a negative action to his family and friends. If such decisions are taken negatively by others, it impacts the overall character and image of my uncle which in turn affects his