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Showing posts with the label Eudaimonia

Understanding Telos: The Core of Purpose and Meaning

In the grand narrative of human existence, few concepts are as fundamental—and yet as overlooked—as telos. Originating from ancient Greek philosophy, telos translates to “end,” “goal,” or “purpose.” It is not merely an objective to be met, but a profound calling embedded within each of us, guiding us towards fulfillment. Telos suggests that everything has an intrinsic purpose, a reason for being. This is not simply an ambition crafted by society or whim. Rather, telos is the inherent end-point towards which we all are unknowingly striving, often in unconscious ways. This concept, explored extensively by Aristotle, proposes that life is not a chaotic dance of chance. Instead, it’s a purposeful journey where each of us is equipped with the potential to actualize our unique nature. It is this process of aligning with our true telos that allows us to experience a life of meaning. To live without understanding our telos is akin to being lost in a forest without a compass. We might wander, a

Aristotle’s Ideas on Eudaimonia: The Flourishing Roadmap to Perfection

Aristotle, bless his ancient soul, had this quaint little concept of eudaimonia, which translates into English as "human flourishing"—not that anyone in the modern age really cares. Nowadays, people are content with their dopamine hits from screens, and yet here we are, daring to discuss something as ambitious as human flourishing. If you find that even remotely interesting, then buckle up, because this is going to be a whirlwind of wisdom, or at least, the wisdom of a guy who thought “self-improvement” didn’t include investing in Bitcoin. Aristotle’s view of eudaimonia wasn't about feeling happy in the short term; he had no interest in today’s relentless pursuit of "good vibes only." His idea of happiness is virtue, but not the kind that earns you instant likes on Instagram. It’s a gritty, prolonged cultivation of virtues like courage, wisdom, and temperance—qualities that make you someone others might actually admire if admiration weren’t such a rare commodity