7 Principles According to Aristotle: Happiness is Achievable Every Day

Feeling overwhelmed by modern life's complexities? You're not alone. According to Aristotle, happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a state of being that comes from living virtuously and purposefully. The ancient Greek philosopher's concept of "eudaimonia" – often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing" – offers timeless wisdom for navigating our emotional landscapes, especially when dealing with feelings like anger and frustration. While Aristotle lived over 2,300 years ago, his principles for achieving happiness remain surprisingly relevant and practical for our fast-paced world. Let's explore seven Aristotelian principles that can transform your everyday experience and help you manage difficult emotions more effectively.

What makes Aristotle's approach so powerful is its practicality. According to Aristotle, happiness is achieved through consistent practice and habit formation, not through quick fixes or momentary pleasures. His philosophy offers a roadmap for emotional intelligence that can help us respond to life's challenges with greater wisdom and emotional regulation. These seven principles don't require a philosophy degree – just a willingness to apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges.

According to Aristotle, Happiness is Found Through These 3 Core Principles

Let's start with the foundational elements of Aristotelian happiness philosophy. These first three principles form the backbone of how, according to Aristotle, happiness is cultivated in daily life.

Principle 1: The Golden Mean

According to Aristotle, happiness is balance in action. The Golden Mean teaches us to find the sweet spot between excess and deficiency in our emotional responses. When feeling angry, for instance, neither explosive rage nor complete suppression serves us well. Instead, aim for appropriate assertiveness – expressing your feelings with clarity and respect. This balanced approach to emotions helps prevent the emotional rollercoaster that leaves us exhausted and unfulfilled.

Principle 2: Virtuous Action

Aristotle believed that happiness emerges from acting virtuously – with courage, patience, and self-control. When facing frustration, practicing patience isn't just "being good" – it's actively contributing to your own well-being. These virtues aren't abstract concepts but practical tools for navigating emotional challenges. The more you practice responding to difficult situations with virtue, the more natural it becomes.

Principle 3: Rational Thinking

For Aristotle, our capacity to reason distinguishes us and enables happiness. When emotions threaten to overwhelm, pause and engage your rational mind. Ask yourself: "Is this reaction proportionate? What's really happening here?" This brief moment of reflection creates space between stimulus and response, allowing for more thoughtful choices rather than impulsive reactions.

4 Modern Applications of How According to Aristotle Happiness is Achieved

Now let's explore how these ancient principles translate into modern life with four additional applications of Aristotle's happiness philosophy.

Principle 4: Friendship and Community

According to Aristotle, happiness is impossible without meaningful relationships. He identified three types of friendships: those based on utility, pleasure, and virtue – with the latter being most valuable. In today's digital age, this reminds us to prioritize deep connections over superficial networking. When dealing with difficult emotions, reaching out to a trusted friend can provide perspective and support. These authentic connections buffer against emotional distress and enhance our sense of belonging.

Principle 5: Purposeful Living

Finding activities that utilize your unique strengths and contribute to something larger than yourself is essential for eudaimonia. When we engage in meaningful work or hobbies, we experience what psychologists now call "flow" – a state of absorption that naturally reduces stress and increases satisfaction. Identify what energizes you and make space for it, even amid busy schedules.

Principle 6: Contemplative Practice

Taking time for reflection isn't just a luxury – it's necessary for happiness. Aristotle valued contemplation as the highest form of activity. Today, this might look like a five-minute breathing exercise or simply paying attention to your thoughts without judgment. These moments of awareness help us recognize emotional patterns and respond more skillfully.

Principle 7: Habit Formation

According to Aristotle, happiness is built through consistent habits. "We are what we repeatedly do," as the saying goes. Small, daily actions shape our character and emotional responses over time. Start with tiny changes – perhaps taking three deep breaths before responding when angry – and build from there. These micro-habits gradually transform your emotional landscape.

Ready to put these principles into practice? Remember that according to Aristotle, happiness is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth. By applying these seven timeless principles in small, consistent ways, you'll develop greater emotional resilience and discover more joy in everyday moments. The path to eudaimonia begins with a single step – which principle will you start with today?