Introduction
The concept of a good life has been debated for centuries, since it can mean different things to different people. To some people, a good life means having material wealth or accomplishments (Friquegnon, 2021). However, a good life involves pursuing three fundamental values: meaningfulness, happiness, and moral excellence.
As I strive to make my life meaningful, happy, and morally excellent, I must find the balance between them. In pursuing a good life, I will strive to combine meaning, joy, and morality in a way that is both meaningful and satisfying. Finding this balance can be challenging, as each of these three aspects of life is unique and demands its own set of skills and motivations.
Meaningfulness
Meaningfulness is an integral part of living a good life. According to Oishi and Westgate (2022), meaningfulness is the quality of being full of meaning or having a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction. Meaningful lives involve individuals engaging in pursuits that are personally meaningful to them.
The concept of meaningfulness is closely linked to having a sense of purpose and direction (Oishi & Westgate, 2022). Additionally, it indicates that a person actively engages in pursuits that bring value to their life. This could be anything from pursuing a career to engaging in meaningful relationships or having an inventive outlet. Therefore, in most cases, meaningfulness is associated with an individual living a fulfilling life, such as one that is in accordance with their purpose on Earth and contributes to the community.
The concept of meaningfulness has been explored from a philosophical perspective. Aristotle believed that the ultimate purpose of life was to strive for happiness, which can only be achieved through meaningful pursuits (Friquegnon, 2021). His perspective on meaningfulness was deeply engraved in his philosophy of human flourishing, which posits that the primary goal of human life is to achieve happiness.
Aristotle held that happiness is not a temporary pleasure but a state of being that can only be attained through purposeful and meaningful pursuits (Friquegnon, 2021). In other words, meaningfulness was beyond personal fulfillment and involved contributing to society’s greater good. Thus, Aristotle’s view on meaningfulness outlines the value of living a purposeful and virtuous life to attain true happiness.
Knowledge is a vital aspect of achieving a meaningful life. According to Plato, knowledge provides individuals with a sense of direction and purpose, enabling them to understand the world around them (Friquegnon, 2021). He argued that those who pursue knowledge would be better equipped to make decisions and navigate life’s challenges. Furthermore, he believed actual knowledge could only be acquired through reason and contemplation rather than mere sensory experience.
One could feel contentment and surpass the world’s limitations by attaining knowledge. Plato’s philosophy emphasizes the value of intellectual pursuits and the pursuit of wisdom as essential to a meaningful life (Friquegnon, 2021). Thus, his view suggests that meaning is not found in material possessions or fleeting pleasures, but in pursuing a deeper understanding of the world and one’s place within it.
Kant’s philosophical perspective underscores the relationship between morality and meaningfulness. According to him, living a moral life and doing good deeds are essential to finding true meaning and purpose (Friquegnon, 2021). Kant believed that moral actions are based on reason and are motivated by a sense of duty rather than personal desires or interests. He asserts that pursuing happiness alone cannot offer a sense of meaning and purpose in life. However, through the practice of morality, one can achieve genuine contentment and lead a fulfilling life. By following moral principles, a person can develop a sense of unity and connection with others, which gives life a sense of purpose and direction.
From a psychological perspective, meaningfulness is closely tied to self-actualization. Maslow held that self-actualization is the highest level of a hierarchy of needs, where the basic physiological needs are at the bottom and higher-order needs, such as self-actualization, are at the top (Trivedi & Mehta, 2019). Self-actualization involves fulfilling an individual’s full potential and living an authentic life. Additionally, it involves engaging in activities that provide a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, such as pursuing creative endeavors, developing meaningful relationships, and seeking personal growth. Therefore, self-actualization is critical for achieving a sense of purpose and meaning in life, as it enables one to align their actions with their innermost values and beliefs.
Happiness
Happiness is a fundamental component of the good life, one that is ethical, meaningful, and filled with joy. According to Friquegnon (2021), happiness is characterized by contentment, joy, and satisfaction. It is typically associated with positive emotions, such as pleasure, happiness, and delight.
Philosophers have long argued that it is one of the few truly desirable things in life and the ultimate goal of all our activities (Friquegnon, 2021). For instance, Aristotle believed that life’s purpose was to reach one’s highest potential, and that this could only be achieved by attaining happiness (Friquegnon, 2021). This means that happiness is the primary objective of all human activity and that it is an individual’s duty to seek it. Therefore, happiness is typically viewed as a state of being in which one has attained a sense of self-fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
Moreover, happiness is essential for a fulfilling life, as it gives people a sense of purpose. According to Mill, society’s primary goal should be to increase happiness for as many individuals as possible (Friquegnon, 2021). This point of view is essential to utilitarian philosophy, which maintains that decisions should be made based on how likely they are to increase happiness and minimize suffering (Friquegnon, 2021).
Utilitarianism holds that an action’s moral worth is defined by its capacity to result in the greatest overall happiness for the largest possible population (Friquegnon, 2021). For as many individuals as possible, laws, organizations, and regulations should be created that maximize happiness and reduce suffering. As a result, happiness is a personal journey that can lead to a life of contentment, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
From a psychological perspective, happiness is considered a vital aspect of mental well-being. Friquegnon (2021) has shown that when people are happy, they tend to be more productive, creative, and successful. They tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity and can better cope with stress and difficult situations.
In addition, happy people tend to be more social and have more relationships, which can lead to other positive life outcomes. Cultivating happiness and well-being is essential for a gratifying and rewarding life (Friquegnon, 2021). This can be achieved through various means, such as practicing gratitude, engaging in meaningful activities, connecting with others, and adopting a positive mindset. Therefore, prioritizing happiness can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.
Meaningfulness, Happiness, and Moral Excellence
When pursuing meaningfulness, happiness, and moral excellence, it is integral to remember that they are all personal goals, and what works for one person may not work for another. Based on this, finding a balance between all three that works for me is crucial. Meaningfulness originates from having a purpose and pursuing goals that are important to me. This could range from attaining a certain educational level to assisting people in need.
On the other hand, happiness involves living a life filled with joy and contentment. This can be achieved through activities such as spending time with friends and family, engaging in hobbies, or taking a trip. Moral excellence is something I strive for daily, and it involves being honest, responsible, and fulfilling my promises.
The most effective way to balance meaningfulness, happiness, and moral excellence is to major in one at a time. For example, I may focus on finding a purpose and working towards achieving my goals while enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and ensuring that I uphold my moral standards. Additionally, it is crucial to take the time to reflect and evaluate whether my choices align with my values and goals. This helps me stay on track and ensures I am not sacrificing one for the other. It is essential to find a balance that works for me and stay focused on my goals while enjoying life’s simple pleasures and treating others with respect.
Moreover, prioritizing what is most important in my life can be a significant step toward achieving a balance between meaningfulness, happiness, and moral excellence. Making meaningful choices requires making decisions on what is most significant. I must consider what will bring me happiness, moral excellence, and a sense of purpose.
I accept that I cannot have everything I want and that I must sometimes set aside my wants to pursue a greater purpose or find a deeper meaning in life. When I make tough decisions, I always focus on the lessons that come with them and use them to uncover what truly brings me joy. Through this process, I can strike a balance between meaning, happiness, and moral excellence, and live a truly fulfilling life.
Maintaining a healthy balance between my personal and professional life is important. This balance is essential for staying motivated and pursuing meaningfulness, happiness, and moral excellence in my life. To achieve this, I will set aside time for myself and engage in activities that bring me happiness. This includes spending time with friends and family, as well as engaging in a hobby.
At the same time, I devote time to developing my skills and advancing my career. This could be reading the latest industry trends or researching different career paths. By balancing my personal and professional life, I can stay motivated and succeed in all my endeavors. This balance can help me remain energized and focused on my goals.
Conclusion
Meaningfulness can be found through meaningful work, relationships, and creative events. Although happiness is a subjective experience, it can be sought through positive thinking and connecting with nature. Moral excellence is realized through developing morality, wisdom, and self-discipline. I will strive to balance these three elements, as each is equally important for creating a life of meaning, joy, and fulfilling my moral obligations. I aim to gain a clear understanding of my true purpose and cultivate a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.
References
Friquegnon, M. (2021). Finding happiness while being good: The challenge of living peacefully and virtuously in a turbulent world. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Oishi, S., & Westgate, E. C. (2022). A psychologically rich life: Beyond happiness and meaning. Psychological Review, 129(4), 790. Web.
Trivedi, A. J., & Mehta, A. (2019). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs-Theory of Human Motivation. International Journal of Research in all Subjects in Multi Languages, 7(6), 38-41. Web.