How to Reach True Happiness with These Influential Philosophers’ Lessons
Published: 2023-10-30 07:55:09

We frequently become lost in the maze of contemporary complications in our continuous search for pleasure. We are constantly bombarded with information, diversions, and expectations in our fast-paced society, making us feel disengaged and dissatisfied. Despite this chaos, there is a wealth of knowledge from classical thinkers that may direct us toward a happier and more fulfilling life. We may learn important insights from the writings of thinkers like Socrates, Aristotle, Epictetus, and Seneca that are still astonishingly applicable to our search for fulfillment today.

Pursuing Virtue rather than Pleasure
Ancient thinkers serve as a reminder that lasting happiness is not found in the transient pleasures that society frequently elevates. They promote the pursuit of virtue as the surest route to fulfillment instead.


Socrates thought leading a virtuous life—characterized by traits like discernment, fortitude, justice, and self-control—brings a more incredible feeling of fulfillment. He said that the main purpose of human existence should be to comprehend and cultivate these characteristics.

The Influence of Self-Awareness

The famous quote from Socrates is, “Know thyself.” This advice acts as a guiding concept for leading a happier life. Understanding our shortcomings, skills, and desires via self-awareness enables us to make decisions that are in line with our true selves. We may handle life’s obstacles with more clarity and make decisions that result in true pleasure by looking at our beliefs, motives, and prejudices.

The Middle Side of Stability

Aristotle popularised the idea of the “golden mean,” highlighting how crucial it is to achieve harmony in all spheres of life. He noted that extremes frequently result in dissatisfaction. For instance, generosity sits between excess and stinginess, while courage sits between recklessness and cowardice. We may foster harmony within ourselves and our relationships by pursuing moderation and avoiding excesses.

Choosing a Stoic Mindset

The philosophy of stoicism, which rose to popularity in antiquity, teaches how to remain calm in the face of difficulty. Famous Stoic philosophers Epictetus and Seneca promoted regulating one’s responses to outside circumstances. They believed that pain originates from our perceptions and responses to circumstances rather than the actual occurrences themselves. We may handle difficulties without allowing them to disrupt our inner calm by engaging in mindfulness practices and building emotional resilience.

[Abstraction from Outside Pleasures](https://keepmotivate.com/)

Seneca emphasized the value of distancing oneself from material things and pleasures in his works on stoicism. He maintained that developing an internal sense of contentment that is independent of one’s environment is the path to real freedom and pleasure. This viewpoint inspires us to enjoy the little things, be grateful for what we have, and let go of the incessant want for more.
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