eudaimonía

Eudaimonia is a Greek philosophical concept often translated as "flourishing," "well-being," or "living well." It is central to the ethical and political philosophy of Aristotle, who explored it extensively in his Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle argued that eudaimonia is the highest human good, the ultimate aim of all human activities.

Unlike fleeting pleasures or subjective happiness, eudaimonia is understood as a state of objective, deep-seated well-being. It is achieved through virtuous activity, meaning acting in accordance with reason and developing excellent character traits. This involves cultivating intellectual virtues, such as wisdom and understanding, and moral virtues, such as courage, temperance, and justice.

For Aristotle, eudaimonia is not a passive state but an active one, requiring consistent effort and practice over a complete life. It is the result of living a life of purpose and excellence, fulfilling one's potential as a human being. External goods, such as health, friends, and moderate wealth, can contribute to eudaimonia by providing the necessary conditions for virtuous activity, but they are not its sole determinants. The core of eudaimonia lies in the exercise of reason and the practice of virtue.