Why ‘Happiness’ is a useless word – and an alternative

We are often encouraged to believe that the goal of our lives should be happiness. But unfortunately the word happiness is misleading, in that it suggests that it might be possible to have a good life and not go through a lot of pain. We might be better off defining our purpose in terms of another word – this one drawn from Ancient Greek: EUDAIMONIA.

FURTHER READING

“Eudaimonia is an Ancient Greek word, particularly emphasised by the philosophers Plato and Aristotle, that deserves wider currency because it corrects the shortfalls in one of the most central, governing but insufficient terms in our contemporary idiom: happiness.
When we nowadays try to articulate the purpose of our lives, it is to the word happiness we commonly have recourse. We tell ourselves and others that the ultimate rationale for our jobs, our relationships and the conduct of our day to day lives is the pursuit of happiness. It sounds like an innocent enough idea, but excessive reliance on the term means that we are frequently unfairly tempted to exit or at least heavily question a great many testing but worthwhile situations…”

MORE SCHOOL OF LIFE

Watch more films on SELF in our playlist:

SOCIAL MEDIA

Feel free to follow us at the links below:

CREDITS

Produced in collaboration with:

Eirini Vianelli

[PraxisRageBaiting]

OG MAH GAWD! About half a year ago I started contemplating this matter and decided upon satisfaction being more important than happiness. Now that you propose eudaimonia I find satisfaction to be comparatively immature. But I am happy that I am not alone in this belief and even happier that there is a better word to explain it.

Thank you kindly and have a pleasant day.

[PursuitofWonder]

I very much agree. More important than a life that is happy or perfect is a life that is interesting and exciting.

[helloeuphoria]

I really liked the stop-animation, it wasn't creepy at all, but nice and different. People don't do much of this style anymore and it's such hardwork for the artist to get this through and they don't understand. Kudos to the animator!!!

[maeheck]

This is amazing. So, so beautiful, every human being needs to watch this.

[Influence]

I agree, I think it's unnatural to be happy all of the time, and to chase it is just a vicious circle of 'the grass is always greener on the other side'. We should make enough money to live comfortably and do what we believe in, or at least work towards it. Don't 'believe' in anything? Fine, but don't beat yourself up for not being happy, and realise that struggles are not forever and that it is completely natural to be happy and sad in life, there will always be ups and downs, though as long as you remember that it is a natural process, you will be much more at peace with yourself.

[malnoch]

This is probably the first time I've completely agreed with a video from The School of Life. I always used the word "satisfaction" rather than fulfillment.

[Kaithelightworker]

I say all the time that happiness is circumstantial... its only temporary, just like sadness. That’s why I don’t say “I just wanna be happy” anymore.

[limez]

I just cried so hard that i could barely breath 2 hours ago, and this video showed up like a magic.

[knowthyselfandyoullknowthe]

Contentment and Fulfillment is indeed what we should aim for. Perfect ! Love the animation too :)

[remipereira]

Love this topic, it crushes down these «you have everything to be happy», «don't worry be happy» kind of sentences that makes you feel so bad about being sad or angry in our basic needs's safe environment. Being satisfied must allow us to feel every kind of emotions, from joy to accomplish a goal to sadness about seeing yourself alone in a dark cold saturday, not feeling guilty about them. Really enjoyed it.

[ahmadesssam]

this video need to be rewatched over and over untill every cell in our brains grasp it's essence

[Maracujakeks]

To feel happy and accomplished, you must also go through rough times sometimes to appreciate the good ones. And yet, as you wonderfully explained in the video, you can also feel fulfilled while being on the downs of this rollercoaster, knowing that you're hopefully still on the right track after all and that the next 'up' will come for sure.
Plus, it's always important to enjoy the little things in life. May it be spending time with loved ones, having a walk in the nature or enjoying some good food. Whatever makes you feel good!

[skelletonboner]

Im glad I didnt unsubscribe, this was really useful stuff. I always claim that I just want to be happy in the future which seems really difficult to achieve, fulfilment seems like a much more achievable and satifactory thing. Thanks school of life :)

[WolfNandos]

"The good life is not one free of angst, but one lived in spite of it." - Soren Kierkegaarde

[megafiremariovolt]

"Pain is something that man must endure in his heart, and since the heart feels pain so easily some believe that life is pain." - Kaworu Nagisa in Evangelion Genesis

[jeanb.]

I'm so grateful to have stumbled upon this video this morning. Lately I have thought that my work situation is very frustrating, my relationship continues to present new challenges, my children's actions must be addressed with firmness AND love - and none of those things give me a feeling of yet I love my job, my children, my sweetheart & so I soldier on with as much courage, honesty, love & vulnerability as possible! (With the help of several wise friends, family members, my journal, a few great books, the natural world, art, music & these videos!)

[quinnmcgillis]

Never forget that Eudaimonia is found in the pursuit of fulfillment, never forget to never stop achieving and setting goals even after you've reached them.

[ipsygypsy]

It's awesome how your team comes up with wonderfully interesting visuals accompanying each & every profoundly thought provoking content. No words are enough to convey how much this is appreciated. Be blessed :)

[lilyflower]

Going through nursing school is an overwhelming challenge for me & it’s been making me question whether this is making me or CAN make me happy. Thank you for the word “Eudaimonia!” Pain is temporary just as happiness; fulfillment fills your heart!

[JavierCR]

Great video. In a time where social media insists on portraying everyone as happy and perfect and everyone just talks about being happy all the time, this brings perspective to reality.