From Psychologies · Ava Skoupsky · · 40s
Aristotle's happiness wisdom holds up
Science confirms Aristotle's 2,000-year-old happiness insights
In brief
Science confirms Aristotle's 2,000-year-old happiness insights Happiness comes from practicing virtues like patience and self-control Originally reported by Psychologies.
Quick answers
- What is virtue?
- Aristotle described virtue as a stable way of acting and feeling that is balanced and reasonable
- What is the key takeaway from Aristotle's happiness wisdom holds up?
- Happiness comes from practicing virtues like patience and self-control
Aristotle's happiness insight
Aristotle defined happiness as an activity of the soul in harmony with virtue over 2,000 years ago
“The happiness depends on ourselves”
Modern science confirms
2025 Journal of Personality study shows compassion and self-control benefit both self and others
“These results contradict the theory that virtue benefits others but not self”
What is virtue?
Aristotle described virtue as a stable way of acting and feeling that is balanced and reasonable
“A disposition acquired to act according to the just mean determined by reason”
Two types of virtue
Intellectual virtues include wisdom and patience while moral virtues involve character and resilience
“Virtue is a disposition acquired to act according to the just mean determined by reason”
How to cultivate virtue
Focus on values like patience and self-control to develop virtues and achieve happiness
“Happiness comes from being in balance with your values”
The big picture
Happiness comes from practicing virtues like patience and self-control
