Aristotle: The Eudaimonia, The Objective of Work

The ancient Greek philosopher's thoughts.

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and polymath, contributed profoundly to the fields of ethics, politics, metaphysics, and others.

His writings cover a broad range of subjects like the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology, and the arts.

One of his central ideas regarding work and human endeavor is captured in his philosophy of eudaimonia, often translated as happiness.

For Aristotle, the objective of work, and indeed of life itself, was to achieve eudaimonia through the practice of virtues and the pursuit of excellence.

Eudemonia is a Greek word translating to the state or condition of good spirit, and which is commonly translated as happiness.

Eudaimonia and Virtue

Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal of human life was to achieve eudaimonia, which he defined as a state of well-being, fulfillment, and flourishing.