Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind!

The International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to promote the idea that happiness is a fundamental human goal and to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being in people’s lives. The theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness is “Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind.” which emphasizes the importance of being kind to ourselves and others during difficult times.

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that happiness was the ultimate goal of human existence. According to him, happiness is achieved by living a virtuous life. Virtue is not something that we are born with, but rather it is something that we cultivate through our actions and habits. Aristotle believed that virtuous behavior could be learned through education, practice, and the guidance of wise mentors.

For Aristotle, there were two types of virtues: intellectual virtues and moral virtues. Intellectual virtues are qualities like wisdom and understanding that are acquired through learning and education. Moral virtues, on the other hand, are qualities like courage, honesty, and kindness that are developed through habitual action.

Aristotle believed that happiness could only be achieved through the practice of moral virtues. He believed that living a virtuous life would lead to eudaimonia, which is often translated as “happiness” but can also be understood as a sense of fulfillment or flourishing.

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to focus on our well-being and the well-being of those around us. We can do this by practicing kindness, cultivating positive habits, and prioritizing our mental and emotional health. By following Aristotle’s advice and striving to live a virtuous life, we can find meaning and happiness even in the face of adversity.

Remember to be kind to yourself and others, stay positive, and keep striving towards your goals. Happy International Day of Happiness!