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Today is 1st of May 2023
Aristotle and Eudaimonia

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Aristotle and Eudaimonia,
Who he is, his impact on stoicism later on and his view on Eudaimonia

Aristotle was a philosopher, scientist, and teacher born in Stagira, a Greek city, in 384 BCE. He was a student of Plato and tutored Alexander the Great. Aristotle founded his school, the Lyceum, where he taught philosophy, logic, biology, and other subjects. His work profoundly impacted Hellenistic philosophy and Stoicism, which developed later.

Aristotle's ideas on ethics, politics, and metaphysics heavily influenced Stoic philosophy. The Stoics adopted his concept of Eudaimonia, which refers to the idea of happiness or flourishing. Aristotle believed that Eudaimonia was the ultimate goal of human existence and could be achieved through living a virtuous life. The Stoics also shared this belief and believed that virtuous actions lead to Eudaimonia.

'Eudaimonia' is a Greek word that literally means 'good spirit', and it commonly means 'happiness' or 'welfare'.The term eudaimonia was used by Aristotle to describe the highest human good.

In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle wrote, "Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence". This encapsulates Aristotle's idea that happiness is the ultimate goal of human life. The Stoics embraced this idea and believed that living a virtuous life was the path to happiness.

Aristotle's concept of the "golden mean" also had a significant impact on Stoic philosophy. He believed that virtue was a balance between two extremes and that the virtuous person found the "golden mean" between excess and deficiency. The Stoics adopted this idea and believed that living a virtuous life required finding the right balance between emotions and reason. His influence on Stoicism can be seen in famous Stoic philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. Epictetus, for example, wrote, "Do not seek to have events happen as you want them to, but instead want them to happen as they do happen, and your life will go well". This quote reflects the Stoic belief in accepting what cannot be changed and loving what is done unto you.

In conclusion, Aristotle's ideas on ethics, politics, and metaphysics had a profound impact on Stoic philosophy. His concepts of Eudaimonia and the "golden mean" were embraced by the Stoics and influenced their beliefs about the path to a fulfilling life. The Stoics also shared Aristotle's belief in the importance of reason, self-control, and living in harmony with nature. Aristotle's legacy continues to be felt in philosophy, science, and other fields to this day.