Thoughts
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Posted:Jul 25, 2014 9:39 pm
Last Updated:Jul 25, 2014 11:56 pm
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My life stance.
Well, I've been thinking about it for a little while and I think I have stumbled upon the meaning of life. I think that an Aristotelian model with some adjustments, that is to say, a quasi-Aristotelian model at looking at our purpose in life is appropriate. I think the meaning of life is to live the good life. Living the good life is an existential axiom because that is what a sound human being wants. I think we live the good life by seeking long term, sustainable happiness within ethical constraints. (Aristotle said that when we do wrong we are not truly happy, but I think that is a misconception, or in more precise words, a partial view on life because it does not take into account the sociopath. The sociopath can be quite happy no matter if he does wrong or not because to the sociopath, moral norms are arbitrary so that is why I said the meaning of life is not only to be happy, but also to do it within moral grounds). Aristotle also said that it takes a little bit of luck to live the good life. I think that statement is correct. I think we go about our lives doing things based on our best judgment somewhat blindly until we finally come across something that elucidates our purpose. I came across the meaning of life by asking questions and going on hunches. So how do we attain long-term sustained happiness once we figured out that is the ultimate goal? We do so by reflecting on our lives and using the tools that are available to us which are philosophy and science. We can use philosophy to clarify thought and come up with new ways of conceptualizing things to use to our advantage. We can use science for our advantage, take positive psychology for example, that is the science about happiness and is a good starting point to enjoy life. Psychological studies have shown that working for something that is bigger than us and that gives us a sense of community makes us happy and more motivated. This has been exemplified by the twelve step program in AA and I think it can also be applied to other things and encourage interconnectedness amongst others and show people that doing things for others can be beneficial for us. Happiness can expand our horizons and give us incentive to give and become altruistic which is magnanimity incarnate, an Aristotelian virtue.
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