"Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient." - Aristotle
What does it mean? I don't get it...
Here's a definition of self-sufficient from Dictionary.com.
"1.able to supply one's own or its own needs without external assistance"
Aristotle was saying that independent people who don't rely on others are happy. I'll go further and say that happiness belongs to people who can entertain themselves. Happy people look to themselves for their meaning in life.
The quote, "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient," is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. In this context, Aristotle is suggesting that true happiness can only be achieved by individuals who possess self-sufficiency.
Self-sufficiency refers to the ability to fulfill one's own needs and desires independently, without reliance on others. According to Aristotle, someone who is self-sufficient does not rely on external factors or other people to provide them with happiness. Instead, they are self-reliant and internally fulfilled.
To understand the meaning of this quote, it is essential to consider Aristotle's broader philosophical concept of eudaimonia. Eudaimonia is often translated as "happiness" but is more accurately understood as "flourishing" or "living well." Aristotle believed that achieving eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human life and involves fulfilling one's potential and reaching a state of overall well-being.
For Aristotle, self-sufficiency is a crucial component of eudaimonia. He argued that relying on external factors or depending on others for happiness leaves individuals vulnerable to circumstances beyond their control. True happiness, according to Aristotle, comes from developing personal virtues, cultivating intellectual and moral excellence, and being self-reliant.
In summary, Aristotle's quote implies that genuine happiness is attainable for individuals who possess self-sufficiency. By being self-reliant and independent, people can pursue their own goals, cultivate their virtues, and ultimately achieve a fulfilled and flourishing life.
To understand what Aristotle meant by "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient," let's break it down and analyze it step by step.
1. Happiness: Aristotle viewed happiness, or eudaimonia, as the ultimate goal of human life. However, he did not define happiness as a fleeting feeling of pleasure but rather as a state of overall well-being and fulfillment.
2. Self-sufficient: Being self-sufficient means not depending on others for one's needs or happiness. It implies having the internal resources and capabilities to lead a fulfilling life without relying heavily on external factors.
When Aristotle states that "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient," he is suggesting that true happiness can only be achieved by individuals who possess the ability to take care of themselves and fulfill their own needs. This implies that relying too much on others or external circumstances for happiness may result in a more fragile and fleeting form of contentment.
To further understand Aristotle's perspective, it is helpful to consider his broader philosophy. He believed that human beings have a purpose or telos, which is to fulfill their unique potential and develop their virtues. Therefore, individuals who are self-sufficient and can independently cultivate their virtues are more likely to achieve long-lasting happiness.
It is worth noting that Aristotle's philosophy is quite nuanced and open to interpretation, and different scholars may offer slightly varied explanations. Nonetheless, this analysis provides a general understanding of what Aristotle meant by the statement.