Have you ever contemplated writing your own obituary? Regardless of your age, have you experienced a life well lived? These questions provoke us to consider what it truly means to live a good life. To shed light on this timeless inquiry, researchers have turned to the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, exploring the distinction between hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Let's delve into their findings and discover how we can achieve genuine happiness.
What Are Eudaimonic & Hedonic Wellbeing?
Eudaimonic wellbeing can be broadly defined as an orientation toward growth, authenticity, meaning, and excellence. It encompasses a pursuit of virtue, value-led living, and long-term flourishing. On the other hand, hedonic wellbeing is centered around experiences, pleasure-seeking, and the absence of negative emotions. It focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing displeasure.
The contrast between these two forms of wellbeing is often depicted as self-fulfillment versus maximizing pleasure, virtue-oriented living versus prioritizing enjoyable experiences, and designing for long-term flourishing versus seeking short-term gratification. However, the distinction is more nuanced than this.
The Greek word eudaimonia, which combines "eu" meaning good and "daemon" meaning guiding spirit or tutelary deity, can be understood as striving towards a divine state of being. It is associated with virtues, excellence, and self-realization, emphasizing the active pursuit of virtuous activity aligned with reason.
The Psychology behind the Concepts
Debates among psychologists arise as to whether eudaimonia is a function, orientation, state, set of traits, or set of measurable behaviors. It can be viewed as an orientation toward personal growth, meaningfulness, or as a checklist of specific behaviors. In contrast, hedonism focuses on happiness as pleasure, enjoyment, and freedom from discomfort.
However, it is important to note that eudaimonic wellbeing does not eschew hedonic pleasures altogether. Lives devoid of such pleasures become joyless and sterile. Achieving a balance between the two is crucial for overall flourishing.
Flow theory, first introduced by Csíkszentmihályi, suggests that skillful activities requiring high concentration can lead to a state of complete absorption and pleasure. Engaging in these activities allows us to lose ourselves in the present moment and experience a sense of fulfillment and flourishing.
Reaching Eudaimonic Happiness
Adopting strategies to cultivate eudaimonic wellbeing can guide us towards a fulfilling life:
- Identify your values and live a value-led life.
- Set clear long-term goals and take daily steps towards them.
- Reflect on virtues that resonate with you and put them into action.
- Prioritize your physical and mental health.
- Cultivate meaningful connections and appreciate their value.
- Aspire to do good and contribute to the welfare of others.
- Seek flow states through engaging activities.
- Strive for balance in your life, preserving room for hedonic pleasures.
Measuring Wellbeing
To embark on the journey towards happiness, understanding your current state is essential. Various scales and questionnaires can measure eudaimonic and hedonic wellbeing. These assessments focus on orientations, values, motives, behaviors, and cognitive-affective experiences. Notable measures include Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being and the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being.
Recommended Books on the Topic
To further explore the realms of hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing, consider delving into these fascinating books:
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The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz - Drawing from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, this book emphasizes the significance of strong connections and quality relationships in leading fulfilling lives.
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Aristotle's Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life by Edith Hall - This engaging read presents Aristotle's teachings in a practical and applicable manner, guiding readers towards a eudaimonia-oriented way of life.
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Handbook of Eudaimonic Well-Being by Joar Vittersø - This comprehensive academic handbook explores the theory and empirical findings related to eudaimonic wellbeing, covering a wide range of topics such as emotions, health, wisdom, and self-determination.
The Balance of Hedonia and Eudaimonia
Researchers argue that pursuing both hedonia and eudaimonia leads to greater overall wellbeing. Rather than dismissing hedonic pleasures entirely, it is important to strike a balance between the two. By integrating strategies for both long-term flourishing and immediate gratification, we can discover the path to true happiness.
We hope this article has offered you valuable insights. Don't forget to download our three Happiness Exercises for free, and embark on your own journey towards a fulfilled life.
