Happiness is something that we all seek, however, it does not have the same meaning for everyone, it is unique for each individual and its presence in life depends on innumerable factors. So how do you define happiness? The concepts of happiness and well-being have been debated since ancient times and, for example, Greek philosophers argued that the secret to a better and more harmonious life was based on both virtuous character and eudaimonia.
eudaimonia is a Greek word that is commonly translated as «happiness,» but its actual meaning is closer to concepts like «human prosperity» and «blessing». According to Aristotle, virtue is central to eudaimonia, but consideration is also given to external goods such as health, beauty, and wealth.
Besides, Aristotle affirmed that human beings achieve eudaimonia when they develop their highest human functioning, thought and reason, and complement them with rational actions focused on their own well-being and the common good.. In other words, when a person participates fully in work that is intellectually stimulating, fulfilling, and whose actions benefit others, then he has found his purpose, happiness, and success as a human being.
Eudaimonia, also called eudaimonic happiness, has a counterpart called hedonia or hedonic happiness, which refers to the feeling of happiness induced by momentary pleasure or satisfaction and immediate self-gratification. This type of happiness includes things that give you momentary joy, such as receiving praise, buying something you want, eating what you like, and anything that gives you a short-term feeling of happiness.
In life these two types of happiness are combined, but what helps us achieve our purpose in life is the lasting happiness that results from long-term goals and actions. Thus, the ideal human quest for well-being is achieved when we strive for noble meaning and purpose and go beyond immediate gratification.
Eudaimonia: long-term fulfillment
In Aristotle’s philosophy, eudaimonia is not simply happiness in the modern sense, but a state of life in keeping with one’s true nature and potential. It is a state of well-being that arises from the performance of virtuous actions and the fulfillment of one’s own goals. According to Aristotle, eudaimonia is achieved by cultivating virtues such as courage, wisdom, justice and moderation.
Eudaimonia involves a balance between the rational and emotional aspects of human nature. It encompasses the development of both the intellectual and moral virtues, and is closely linked to the concept of virtue ethics. Virtuous actions and a reasonable life are considered essential to achieve eudaimonia.
It is important to note that eudaimonia is not a static state, but a continuous process. It is not something that can be achieved instantly or through external factors such as wealth or pleasure. On the contrary, requires a permanent search for excellence, personal growth and the realization of one’s own potential.
Although the concept of eudaimonia originated in ancient Greek philosophy, it is still relevant today and has been the subject of interpretation and debate in contemporary ethics and positive psychology. The understanding and interpretation of eudaimonia can vary between philosophers and scholars, but deep down represents a holistic approach to living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Hedonia: immediate pleasure
Hedonia is a term used to describe the pursuit of pleasure and the absence of pain or suffering. It refers to the philosophy or concept that the ultimate goal of life is the experience of happiness, pleasure, and enjoyment.
The term «hedonia» comes from the Greek word «hedone», which means «pleasure» or «delight» and is related to hedonism, a philosophical perspective that prioritizes the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. However, it is important to note that hedonism can take different forms and interpretations. Some versions of hedonism emphasize short-term, immediate pleasures, while others may prioritize long-term well-being and overall life satisfaction.
In the field of psychology, hedonia is often discussed in the context of well-being and happiness. Researchers distinguish between hedonic well-being, which refers to the presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative emotions, and eudaimonic well-being, which involves a sense of purpose, personal growth, and fulfillment.
How these two types of happiness affect well-being
According to Dr. Barbara L. Frederickson, a professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina, Not all happiness is the same, in addition, the human body is capable of recognizing its differences and responds differently to each type of happiness.; while eudaimonic happiness can provide health benefits at the cellular level, hedonic happiness can produce negative health effects at the cellular level.
This means that two events that appear to be the same in terms of triggering a feeling of happiness could, in fact, be experienced differently on a cellular level.
Dr. Frederickson’s team collaborated with the team of Steven W. Cole, professor of medicine, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences at the University of California, to conduct a study that sought to examine how eudaimonic and hedonic happiness influence on gene expression within human immune cells.
The premise was that when immune cells are under prolonged periods of stress or adversity, a change in normal gene expression occurs; the fight-or-flight response activates something called the conserved transcriptional response to adversity, which upregulates pro-inflammatory genes and downregulates genes involved in defense against viruses.
Although study participants reported experiencing feelings of well-being, those with high levels of hedonic happiness showed a small increase in the level of stress-related response.; while in participants with high levels of eudaimonic happiness, stress was reduced, as was inflammation and immune capacity increased.
Given these results, the researchers suggest that experiencing a greater amount of hedonic well-being is like consuming «empty calories,» for while simple pleasures provide short-term gratification, they can cause long-term negative health effects. On the contrary, experiencing greater amounts of eudaimonic happiness is like eating a balanced and healthy diet, which may not be so pleasant in the immediate moment, but it does bring great benefits in the future.
For these reasons, while it’s okay to enjoy small or big immediate pleasures, The best thing for lasting well-being is to aspire to achieve eudaimonic happiness, through fulfillment and personal growth, as well as a life in greater fulfillment and satisfaction.. So try to make eudaimonic happiness a priority in your life, your body will thank you with good health and better performance.