What Is Eudaimonia
                     What Is Eudaimonia?
Chaitanya Kumari
Writes informational articles to make Living-smartly.com 
a wisdom vault and repository of ancient wisdom of 
India. Articles are on cultivating wisdom, being 
sensible,Dharma, Dharma meaning in English along 
with others articles on Niti in English, what is niti, 
philosophy, social skills.
Eudaimonia is a philosophical approach to living a good life rooted in 
genuine happiness. However, it contrasts with Hedonism in its 
perspective. The concept of Eudaimonia was introduced by Aristotle 
and is often translated as a “flourishing” or well-lived life. It presents a 
structured approach to happiness, focusing on leading a meaningful 
and purposeful existence rather than one driven by the pursuit of 
pleasure. Eudaimonia emphasizes fulfilling one’s potential in a virtuous 
manner and enjoying life fully-without succumbing to indulgence or 
vice.
Eudaimonia constitutes the following features:
Virtue (Arete) – Cultivating admirable character traits such as wisdom, 
justice, and courage.
Rationality- Using reason as the basis of making ethical decisions in 
life.
Purpose and Meaning- Committing to activities that promote personal 
growth and social well-being.
Some criticisms of Eudaimonia revolve around the fact that it 
requires considerable effort to lead such a life. Immediate pleasure 
or gratification is the purpose of this concept; executing it is not easy 
in today’s age. Also, the idea and its execution may depend on the 
interpretation of “flourishing” by different cultures.
Eudaimonia as a concept is great and can lead humanity to lead a 
fulfilling life by engaging in activities that take it higher towards 
realizing its spiritual goals. Pleasure is just a part of Eduaimonia and 
not the heart of it. It requires purity in thought and actions and a lot 
of self-control. Through these, an ordinary human can realize his/her 
full potential and achieve the purpose of life and the higher self. It 
also depends on achieving moral excellence, which should be the 
pivot of social welfare. After all, without moral excellence, a society 
cannot exist. It also inspires an individual to set up long-term goals 
instead of short ones that create sustainability and consistency. With 
consistent effort, an individual can achieve a steady, happy, and 
balanced life.
The concept of Eudaimonia is relevant in this age and time because 
people have started dwelling in excesses, which is leading to weak 
mental health. A weak mental health is leading to depression, 
anxiety, hypertension, drug abuse, and so on. The idea is to get rid 
of addiction through practicing Eudaimonia and creating the best 
version of oneself. This reiterates the concept of Yoga in Indian 
culture, emphasizing that human beings are capable of becoming 
better versions of themselves through self-control and mindfulness. 
We all know that better individuals make a better society.
Eudaimonia is in direct contrast with Hedonism, introduced by 
Epicurus, and elaborates on seeking pleasure through vices. In 
Hedonism, pleasure is the ultimate goal, and people can indulge in 
any activity to achieve it. This often leads to excess, selfishness, 
and anarchy. A society cannot be based on or driven by such 
philosophies. Instead, a society can be based on positive thinking, 
establishing long-term goals, achieving moral excellence, and 
extending virtuous behavior toward all citizens. It might sound 
demanding, but it is the way to move forward.
About Living Smartly
Living-smartly.com is a website that publishes information specifically focused on 
helping people to make right choices in their every day challenges. Living Smartly 
provides smart tips & insights that covers all aspects of daily living such as general 
health & dental health, philosophy, social skills, technology, wellness, gifts etc.
        Thank you for spending your precious time in reading this article!