Two Perspectives of Happiness According to Plato and Aristotle

Plato and Aristotle, two ancient Greek philosophers, have left enduring ideas that continue to shape the contemporary world. Broadly, Plato asserted that individuals could attain happiness through moral conduct and adherence to the fundamental values of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice. In contrast, Aristotle, Plato's disciple, viewed happiness as life's ultimate objective, attainable through virtuous living and the application of critical thinking and reasoning skills. Translating these philosophical perspectives into practical life advice involves adopting guiding principles, living in the present, setting realistic goals, and pursuing a balanced existence. Seeking support from a licensed therapist, either in-person or online, may also contribute to the pursuit of happiness.

Plato, credited with establishing the Academy, is seen as a pivotal figure shaping the contemporary world. Despite the enigma surrounding his life, his enduring works have persisted for millennia. As an instructor, he played a crucial role in the education of numerous individuals, notably Aristotle, widely regarded as his most renowned disciple.

Aristotle, who entered Plato's Academy in his youth and remained a student for two decades, is acknowledged for his significant impact on Western philosophical values. Much like Plato, Aristotle's enduring contributions endure, continuing to shape modern societal perspectives.

Plato expressed his views on happiness in The Republic, asserting that true happiness is attained by individuals who exhibit moral conduct and adhere to the four fundamental virtues. According to him, these virtues are not inherent but can be cultivated through deliberate practice until they become ingrained habits. The four cardinal values typically encompass the following:

Temperance typically involves practicing moderation in one's desires and navigating a middle path between extremes of excess and deficiency. It entails exercising restraint in actions and maintaining a state of balance. For instance, Plato might assess an individual who abstains from alcohol similarly to someone who indulges excessively in drinking.

Fortitude, also referred to as courage, can be defined as an inner strength demonstrated in the face of challenges. When displaying courage, one is capable of resisting temptations and overcoming obstacles, exhibiting tenacity and determination in the midst of difficulties. Individuals possessing fortitude tend to persist and endure, making it an essential element in achieving goals and contributing to overall happiness.

Prudence typically entails exercising rationality and employing that rationality for self-regulation. Individuals who experience contentment may possess the ability to assess themselves and opt for morally upright actions. They may practice mindfulness, derive lessons from their errors, and actively endeavor to enhance themselves.

Justice, as outlined by Plato, deviates somewhat from our conventional understanding of the term. It is typically the most conceptual among virtues. According to Plato, justice can be perceived as striking a balance between selflessness and selfishness. He generally posited that individuals should pursue their own desires, yet concurrently find importance in contributing to the well-being and prosperity of those in their proximity.

In summary, Plato's overarching perspective was that a content individual possesses principles and remains steadfast in adhering to them.

Aristotle extensively discussed the concept of happiness, emphasizing it as life's ultimate objective attainable through virtuous living. According to him, cultivating innate virtues and acquiring new ones is key to virtuous living, enabling individuals to make wise choices and ultimately experience a joyful existence.

Aristotle posited that humanity might have a purpose, possibly centered around the faculty of reason. Distinguishing us from other beings, our self-awareness and critical thinking abilities set us apart. Aristotle advocated the use of reason for achieving happiness and leading a virtuous life.

Plato and Aristotle both endorsed the concept of adhering to a set of values to attain happiness. They also advocated finding a balanced middle path between excess and deficiency in one's actions.

What Insights Can We Gain From the Teachings of Plato and Aristotle?

While Aristotle and Plato are not beyond error, their teachings hold relevance for a broad audience. Reflecting on their philosophies can be a means to enhance your life, and several approaches to achieve this are outlined below:

Embrace Your Principles

Possibly, you possess a set of moral guidelines, though you might not have thoroughly contemplated them. Reflect on your notions of right and wrong, and adhere to them. Upholding your principles could contribute to a sense of contentment. If errors occur, view them as opportunities for growth, acknowledging that perfection is an unattainable standard.

Embrace the Present Moment

To think rationally, one typically needs to be aware of the present. While it's acceptable to consider the past or plan for the future, excessive preoccupation with either can lead to unhappiness. Instead, strive for balance by practicing moderation. Choose to live in the present, avoiding excessive fixation on either the past or the future.

Establishing realistic objectives is essential. While pursuing and attaining significant accomplishments can contribute to happiness, it's advisable to focus your goals on your existing circumstances. Aspiring to be a billionaire is a lofty ambition, yet for many, pursuing smaller and more achievable goals might prove more beneficial.

Strive for equilibrium.

Human tendencies often lean towards extremes, and one remedy for this inclination is moderation. Reflect on areas of your life where excessiveness may be a concern. For example, if you find yourself constantly scrolling through social media, it can be a distraction from your daily life, and the content you encounter may have adverse effects on your mental well-being.

Yet, completely abstaining from social media might lead to feelings of isolation in certain situations. A balanced approach involves occasional use of social media while maintaining a focus on both the tangible and virtual aspects of life.

Exploring Happiness Through Therapy

While having Aristotle or Plato as mentors could be enriching, their era has come and gone. For those seeking guidance in attaining happiness today, therapy offers valuable assistance. Through therapeutic sessions, you can learn strategies to reach your objectives, potentially enhancing your overall well-being. Additionally, if you're grappling with mental health issues or facing challenges, therapy can prove beneficial in mitigating associated symptoms.

Advantages of Virtual Counseling

Opting for online therapy can be a great choice if you're prepared to engage with a mental health professional but prefer the convenience of virtual sessions over in-person meetings. Through online therapy, you have the flexibility to connect with your therapist from the comfort of your residence or any location with internet access. Additionally, you can communicate with your therapist through messages at any time, allowing you to seek support even during late-night moments of distress, with the assurance that they will respond promptly.

The efficacy of online therapy has been demonstrated as well. A study conducted in 2020 revealed that online therapeutic interventions typically led to noteworthy enhancements in depression and anxiety scores, compared to a baseline. These improvements were observed post-intervention at 12 weeks and were sustained at the 6-month mark. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of depression or seeking assistance in achieving happiness, contemplating collaboration with a therapist through online channels could be a beneficial option.

To Keep In Mind…

Plato emphasized the significance of morality and adherence to cardinal values like justice, fortitude, prudence, and temperance for achieving happiness. Aristotle, on the other hand, stressed the importance of employing reasoning skills and leading a virtuous life. Applying the wisdom of these philosophers today involves seeking balance, living in the present, upholding morals, and setting achievable goals. A licensed therapist can serve as a valuable guide in the pursuit of happiness.