Logo
    Search

    Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Aristotle

    enSeptember 14, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Investing in mental health for the younger generation and personal well-beingBalancing emotions, seeking ancient wisdom, and exploring new opportunities can lead to a happier, healthier life. Prioritize mental health, learn from ancient philosophies, and consider earning income through Airbnb.

      Investing in mental health and well-being, especially for the younger generation, is crucial. California is addressing this issue by training certified wellness coaches to help children and youth improve their mental health. Meanwhile, in our personal lives, it's essential to prioritize our well-being amidst the complexities of the modern world. Ancient philosophies and religions offer valuable insights into this quest for happiness, and we can learn from them. For instance, Aristotle's metaphor of the charioteer and the two horses can help us understand the importance of balancing our emotions and desires to reach our desired destination – a state of happiness. Additionally, exploring the value of our homes, like turning them into Airbnbs, can provide financial benefits. The Apple Card offers cashback rewards on various purchases, while Airbnb can help us earn income when we're away. Overall, prioritizing mental health, seeking ancient wisdom, and exploring new opportunities can lead to a happier, healthier life.

    • Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle's teachings on human happinessAristotle, a Greek philosopher, believed in spiritual flourishing or eudaimonia as the ultimate human goal, going beyond momentary happiness to a deeper moral sense of well-being. Studying his teachings can provide insights into living a well-lived life and striving for spiritual growth.

      The wisdom of ancient philosophers, like Aristotle, can provide valuable insights into the question of human happiness. Aristotle, a polymath from ancient Greece, is considered the father of positive psychology. He believed that spiritual flourishing, or eudaimonia, was the ultimate goal for human beings. Eudaimonia goes beyond momentary happiness and encompasses a deeper, moral sense of well-being. Aristotle's teachings encourage us to look beyond our present circumstances and learn from the insights of those who came before us. By studying the works of philosophers like Aristotle, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live a well-lived life and strive for our own spiritual growth.

    • Human flourishing through virtuous actionsAristotle's concept of eudaimonia emphasizes long-term happiness through virtuous actions and practical wisdom, contrasting with short-term pleasure of hedonism.

      Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing, goes beyond short-term pleasure and focuses on long-term thriving through virtuous actions. This idea, which contrasts with hedonism, suggests that true happiness comes from engaging in good and pleasurable activities consistently. Aristotle's philosophical exploration of human nature, which includes the concept of phronesis or practical wisdom, offers a deeper understanding of what makes humans happy. Phronesis allows us to make informed decisions and navigate complex situations, ultimately contributing to our overall well-being. By looking beyond surface-level desires and considering the deeper patterns behind human behavior, we can gain a more accurate understanding of what truly leads to happiness.

    • Building virtues through practiceTo experience deeper forms of happiness, we must not only understand virtuous actions, but also actively engage in practicing them.

      According to Aristotle, achieving deeper forms of happiness or eudaimonia is not just a matter of theoretical knowledge, but rather a skill that is developed through practical experience. This means that we become virtuous and spiritually happy individuals by actively practicing virtuous actions. As Sonya Lyubomirsky, a modern scientist, puts it, "we become builders by building and we become harpists by playing the harp." In other words, we learn to be just by doing just actions, temperate by doing temperate actions, and brave by doing brave actions. Aristotle believed that this self-education project of building up the kind of soul we want to have can be self-reinforcing, as we take pleasure in the virtues we cultivate. So, the key takeaway is that in order to truly thrive and experience deeper forms of happiness, we must not only understand the theory behind virtuous actions, but also actively engage in practicing them.

    • Exploring ways to improve well-being through Aristotle's virtues and practical steps like hosting on Airbnb or using the Apple CardAristotle's virtues encourage small steps towards growth, while becoming an Airbnb host or using the Apple Card can provide financial benefits, leading to overall well-being progress

      There are various ways to improve our well-being, both physically and spiritually. Aristotle believed in developing virtues as the middle way between extremes, encouraging small steps towards growth. Meanwhile, becoming an Airbnb host can be an easy and profitable way to earn extra income while you're not at home. The Apple Card offers cashback rewards for daily purchases, making it an excellent financial tool. Additionally, consider spreading wellness by becoming a wellness coach or learning more at ca wellness coach.org, supported by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. Remember, small steps towards virtue and financial growth can lead to significant progress over time.

    • Aristotle on Virtue, Happiness, and FriendshipAristotle believed that living virtuously leads to happiness and strong relationships. He identified three types of friendships: utility, pleasure, and mutual appreciation of values.

      According to Aristotle, living a virtuous life is not just about being moral, but also about finding happiness and contributing to a harmonious society. He believed that a virtuous individual takes pleasure in the well-being of others and that even if one's primary goal is personal happiness, living a moral life and forming deep, meaningful friendships are essential components. Aristotle devoted significant attention to the topic of friendship in his "Nicomachean Ethics," viewing it as crucial throughout one's life. He distinguished among three types of friendship: one based on utility, one based on pleasure, and the deepest, most valuable kind based on mutual appreciation of each other's deep values. By focusing on virtue, happiness, and meaningful relationships, Aristotle's teachings continue to influence Western thought on how to live a fulfilling life.

    • Friendship as a tool for self-improvementAristotle believed that deep friendships help individuals become better versions of themselves by providing support and reinforcing virtuous habits. Social support can also aid in sticking to new habits, making friends essential for self-improvement.

      According to Aristotle, a deep and lasting friendship is one where both individuals help each other become better versions of themselves. This type of friendship is important for cultivating practical wisdom and reinforcing virtuous habits. The science of habits also supports this idea, suggesting that social support can help individuals stick to their commitments to new habits. Aristotle referred to a friend as a "second self," emphasizing the importance of finding friends who support and reinforce our efforts to improve ourselves. This concept is not unique to Aristotle, as many wisdom traditions emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals for spiritual growth. By practicing virtues with a friend, individuals can create a self-reinforcing cycle that helps them remain committed to their goals, both theoretically and practically.

    • Friendships and Personal GrowthSurround yourself with friends who inspire virtue and support personal growth, prioritize physical and mental wellness, and use AI tools to streamline presentations for a more effective delivery.

      Meaningful relationships, such as friendship, can significantly contribute to personal growth and the pursuit of happiness. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle believed in taking action to become the person one wants to be, and every small step matters. In the speaker's life, her friendship with Laurie and her studies of Aristotle have been instrumental in helping her make positive changes and thrive. It's essential to surround oneself with friends who inspire virtue and support personal growth. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of physical and mental wellness in achieving happiness, and encourages listeners to consider visiting San Diego for its sunny atmosphere and opportunities for rejuvenation. Additionally, using AI-powered tools like Canva Presentations can help streamline work presentations and keep the focus on the content.

    Recent Episodes from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    The Power of Awe... and Where to Find it

    The Power of Awe... and Where to Find it

    Awe reduces stress, helps us forget our minor worries and makes us feel more connected to the people around us. We all need more awe in our lives - but surely it's not that easy to find awesome experiences on your average Tuesday?

    Actor Tony Hale explains how everyday awe helps ease his anxieties, while UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner shows us how to find awe in music, art, scenery... even in a walk around our block. And Dr Laurie explores the things that give her a sense of awe with the help of Mike Menzel - who built a space telescope that lets us see billions of years into the past.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Tame Stress

    How to Tame Stress

    Dr Laurie is stressed, and it's harming her health. Constant worry and stress is bad for our bodies and our minds, but how can we break the cycle and relax? It turns out scientists have learned a lot from one of America's most stressed-out communities - caregivers.  

    Hollywood star Steve Guttenberg talks about the toughest chapter of his life - caring for his dying dad - and Dr Elissa Epel explains why some caregivers suffer badly from stress, while others seem to find ways to live with the awful situation they find themselves in daily.  

    Further reading:

    Steve Guttenberg - Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero.

    Dr Elissa Epel - The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How I Stopped Fearing Boredom

    How I Stopped Fearing Boredom

    Dr Laurie HATES boredom! Since childhood she's found it so painful that she'll do anything to avoid being bored. She'll watch crappy TV. She'll find extra work to do. She'll snack. But boredom is actually an incredibly useful tool to boost our happiness and creativity.  

    With the help of leading boredom experts, Dr Laurie learns how to embrace doing nothing and finds that in the midst of tedium our brains can come up with the most amazing breakthrough ideas. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Fight Perfectionism

    How to Fight Perfectionism

    Holding yourself to impossibly high standards is self-defeating and makes for a miserable life. Can Dr Laurie Santos find ways to tackle her constant perfectionism so she can perform better and have more fun? 

    She hears from researcher Thomas Curran about a worrying growth in perfectionism in society, and asks "recovering perfectionist" Jordana Confino how to tackle the nagging voice in your head telling you to always push yourself and work harder.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    My Personal Struggle to be Happy (Coming June 3)

    My Personal Struggle to be Happy (Coming June 3)

    Sometimes the happiness teacher flunks her own class. In a deeply personal new season, Dr Laurie Santos opens up about the things she really, really struggles with. Things like crippling perfectionism, chronic stress and a paralyzing fear of death. 

    With the help of world-class experts, a Hollywood star and a host of normal people who grapple with the same issues, Dr Laurie will face up to her own happiness demons and try to defeat them. 

    Coming June 3, wherever you get your podcasts. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Happiness Through Generosity : Liz Dunn on The TED Interview

    Happiness Through Generosity : Liz Dunn on The TED Interview

    Liz Dunn is a regular guest on The Happiness Lab, but in this extended interview with TED's Chris Anderson she take us on a deep dive into her research. It shows that by increasing our generosity and by giving to others we can significantly boost our own happiness. 

    Listen to more episodes of The TED Interview wherever you get your podcasts.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unlock Your Hidden Potential with Adam Grant and Maya Shankar

    Unlock Your Hidden Potential with Adam Grant and Maya Shankar

    A chance to hear a recent episode of A Slight Change of Plans in which Maya Shankar asks psychologist Adam Grant about his new book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things". They talk about how to filter out unhelpful feedback, the benefits of imperfectionism, and why we need to give soft skills more respect. 

    Listen to more episodes of A Slight Change of Plans  wherever you get your podcasts. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Five Tips to be Happier at Work (Dr Laurie at SXSW)

    Five Tips to be Happier at Work (Dr Laurie at SXSW)

    Work is a worry. Are we paid enough? Should we be getting promoted quicker? Is artificial intelligence about to replace us all? 

    Speaking at SXSW 2024, Dr Laurie Santos argues that because of all our career woes we often neglect our happiness. She walks through her top five tips for improving our workplace wellbeing - which will not only make us feel better, but might even cause our salaries to rise!  

    Suggested reading from this episode:

    Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN by Tara Brach

    Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

    Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

    The Truth About Burnout: How Organizations Cause Personal Stress and What to Do About It by Christina Maslach

    The Business of Friendship by Shasta Nelson

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tame Those Devices: 10 Tips to Achieve Digital Balance

    Tame Those Devices: 10 Tips to Achieve Digital Balance

    Technology is amazing! We can make video calls, find facts in an instant and watch movies on our phones. We take all this for granted, but have we let our screens and devices take over too much of our lives? 

    To mark Digital Wellness Day on May 3, we hear from Amy Blankson (author and "chief evangelist" at the Digital Wellness Institute) about her ten tips to tame our devices at home and in the workplace. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Grow After Adversity

    How to Grow After Adversity

    Karen Guggenheim was devastated by the death of her husband, Ricardo. She was alive, but dead to the world around her. Slowly she put her life back together and found growing happiness. To share her insights with others in need, Karen started the World Happiness Summit

    Karen's campaign to spread global happiness is just one example of "post traumatic growth". Clinical psychologist Dr Edith Shiro (author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma) has worked with many people who have recovered from trauma and grown as a result. She explains how we can give ourselves the best possible chance to experience post traumatic growth.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    #515: Aristotle's Wisdom on Living the Good Life

    #515: Aristotle's Wisdom on Living the Good Life

    What does it mean to live a good life? How can we achieve that good life?

    These are questions a Greek philosopher explored over 2,000 years ago in his Nicomachean Ethics. My guest today argues that the insights Aristotle uncovered millennia ago are still pertinent to us in the 21st century. Her name is Edith Hall, and she’s a classicist and the author of Aristotle’s Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life. Today on the show we discuss what Aristotle thought the good life was and how it’s different from our modern conception of happiness. We then dig into how Aristotle believed the cultivation of virtue was a key part of living a flourishing life and why understanding your unique potential and purpose is also important. Edith then shares insights from Aristotle on how to handle misfortune and become a better decision maker, as well as the importance of relationships to human happiness.

    Get the show notes at aom.is/aristotle.

    12. Let’s Get Friendly with Jack - creativity, life paths and the next great Australian novel

    12. Let’s Get Friendly with Jack - creativity, life paths and the next great Australian novel

    Today we’re bringing in a special guest, someone very close to the show and my heart. The wonderful Jack - one of our co-writers and podcast inspos - joins the podcast to talk creative pathways, reflecting on your younger years, our inner child and our concepts for the next greatest Australian novels.

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Open Hearts, Clear Minds, Tough Losses and New Chapters

    Open Hearts, Clear Minds, Tough Losses and New Chapters

    Coming back from a much needed 2 week personal break, Kenzie sits down and discusses how a trip to her hometown made her realize the importance of having an open heart and a clear mind. Hear about Kenzie’s experiences with these two topics along with some tougher topics taught losses and new chapters as well. This episode is a much needed remind of what is important and how taking time for yourself to heal from any situation is the most important.

    Ep.88 HIGHLIGHT I Learning from past mistakes

    Ep.88 HIGHLIGHT I Learning from past mistakes
    WANT THE FULL EPISODE? Check out yesterday's episode Ep.88 I Spencer Klavan I Deciding to Save the West, or download it directly using this link.

    Spencer Klavan joins the show to discuss the modern crises that threaten Western civilization and the decisions required to overcome them.

    KEY TOPICS
    Aristotle’s lasting influence on modern decision-making.
    The pseudo-religious tendencies of Stoicism.
    The 5 modern crises that threaten the fabric of our civilization.

    Order your copy of Spencer’s book, “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456

    CONNECT WITH US
    www.decidedlypodcast.com
    Join us on Instagram: @decidedlypodcast
    Join us on Facebook
    Shawn’s Instagram: @shawn_d_smith
    Sanger’s Instagram: @sangersmith

    MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
    At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.
    LEARN MORE
    www.decidedlywealth.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAIL

    Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!

    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
    “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456

    Gateway to the Stoics: Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, Epictetus’s Enchiridion, and Selections from Seneca’s Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Gateway-Stoics-Meditations-Epictetuss-Enchiridion/dp/1684514002

    CONNECT WITH SPENCER KLAVAN
    Instagram: @sklavan
    Twitter: @spencerklavan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpencerAKlavan/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-klavan-0a963631/
    “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456
    Gateway to the Stoics: Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, Epictetus’s Enchiridion, and Selections from Seneca’s Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Gateway-Stoics-Meditations-Epictetuss-Enchiridion/dp/1684514002
    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/young-heretics/id1513602173

    Spencer Klavan is a scholar, writer, and podcaster who has harbored a lifelong devotion to the great works and principles of the West. After studying Greek and Latin as an undergraduate at Yale, he spent five years at Oxford University to earn his doctorate in ancient Greek literature. Now an editor at the Claremont Institute, he has written for many outlets, including The Atlantic, the Los Angeles Times, City Journal, Newsweek, the Claremont Review of Books, The Federalist, The American Mind, and The Daily Wire.

    His most recent work sounded the alarm on the cultural decline of the Western world, titled “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”. Spencer’s deep understanding of the roots of Western civilization makes him a trustworthy guide for navigating our evolving culture, and what we can do to help. His analysis: The situation is dire. But every crisis we face today we have faced—and surmounted—before.

    Monkey Farts & Asian Fetish

    Monkey Farts & Asian Fetish
    New Merch: https://www.badfriendsmerch.com Get MORE Bad Friends at our Patreon!! https://www.patreon.com/badfriends Thank you to our Sponsors: Morgan & Morgan, Buffy, Dr.Squatch & ZocDoc • Morgan & Morgan: If you’re ever injured, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. Their fee is free unless they win. For more information go to https://ForThePeople.com/badfriends or dial Pound LAW (Pound 529) from your cell phone. This is a paid advertisement. • Buffy: Get 25% off at https://buffy.co with code BADFRIENDS • Dr.Squatch: Go to https://get.drsquatch.com/badfriends and get 3 free bars of soap and free shipping when you buy 3 bars. • ZocDoc: Find and book top rated doctors at https://www.zocdoc.com/badfriends Watch Taylor Williamson"Live At The Comedy Store:" https://youtu.be/5DQtK6FM7jM?si=di00ds9-IRtulQLR YouTube Subscribe: http://bit.ly/BadFriendsYouTube Merch: http://badfriendsmerch.com 0:00 Does Taylor Williamson's Dog Look Like Him? 9:25 Sleeve or Helmet? 14:00 Kissing Hailey Klum 21:39 What's Going On With Your Hair? 27:02 Korea & The Dog Meat Farms Situation 32:15 Bobby Lee's Best Career Advice 41:29 Bobby Asks Taylor Williamson the Hard Questions 55:30 Steve McQueen & Bobby Lee, Young at 50 1:10:33 A Tiny, Unfair Fight More Taylor Williamson Comedy Special: https://youtu.be/5DQtK6FM7jM?si=di00ds9-IRtulQLR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorcomedy Tickets, Merch & More: https://taylor-williamson.squarespace.com/ More Bobby Lee TigerBelly: https://www.youtube.com/tigerbelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyleelive Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobbyleelive Tickets: https://bobbyleelive.com More Andrew Santino Whiskey Ginger: https://www.youtube.com/andrewsantinowhiskeyginger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheetosantino Twitter: https://Twitter.com/cheetosantino Tickets: http://www.andrewsantino.com More Juicy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetskijohnson/?hl=en More Fancy SOS VHS: https://www.youtube.com/@SOSVHS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancyb.1 More Bad Friends iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-friends/id1496265971 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badfriendspod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/badfriends_pod Official Website: http://badfriendspod.com/ Opening Credits and Branding: https://www.instagram.com/joseph_faria & https://www.instagram.com/jenna_sunday Credit Sequence Music: http://bit.ly/RocomMusic // https://www.instagram.com/rocom Character Design: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreymyles Bad Friends Mosaic Sign: https://www.instagram.com/tedmunzmosaicart Produced by: 7EQUIS https://www.7equis.net/ Podcast Producer: Andrés Rosende This episode contains paid promotion. #bobbylee #andrewsantino #badfriends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices