Today’s wisdom is from The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.
Aristotle reminds us: “Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” The summum bonum the greatest good.
And for Aristotle, happiness—or eudaimonia—is about living a life of virtue and purpose in a single word: Areté.
Here’s how to live virtuously today:
1. Practice the Golden Mean. Aristotle says: “Virtue lies in the balance between excess and deficiency.” So seek balance in one area of your life today.
2. Pursue Excellence. Aristotle paraphrase: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence (Areté), then, is not an act, but a habit.” So focus on one habit that helps you grow.
3. Act with Purpose. “Every action aims at some good.” We're teleological. We’ve got to have a target at which we aim our life or soul force. So reflect on your actions and align them with your highest values.
What’s one virtuous action you can take today to flourish?
Get on that. Let's make today Heroic and I will see you tomorrow!
Unlock this Heroic +1 (and over 1,000 more)!
Create your account to get more wisdom in less time. Personal development made simple so you can flourish in energy, work, and love. Today.