[EN]Eudaimonia and Hedonia

1. Aristotle's Theory of Happiness and Pleasure

The fundamental question “What is happiness?” has been asked repeatedly since ancient Greece—and likely for far longer. In response, the philosopher Aristotle proposed the assertion that “true happiness is eudaimonia.”

So, what is Eudaimonia? In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defined it as the highest good and true happiness, achieved when one: ① fully develops their innate potential (self-actualization), ② improves their soul (cultivates virtue), and ③ lives accordingly (lives well).

Psychological research indicates that achieving psychological well-being requires: ① Personal growth, ② Purpose in life, ③ Autonomy, ④ Environmental mastery, ⑤ Self-acceptance, and ⑥ Positive relationships (Ryff, C.D., 1989). These elements are also considered deeply connected to achieving Eudaimonia. Such happiness, while requiring considerable time to attain, is characterized by its sustainability, unaffected by immediate events.

In contrast, hedonia signifies pleasure—that is, short-term, fleeting happiness. It embodies the idea that life is enriched by enjoying the present moment. In contexts advocating the superiority of eudaimonia, hedonia is often portrayed negatively as a short-sighted and foolish way of thinking—as exemplified by Aesop's fable “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” which contrasts the importance of diligent work for the future with the folly of living only for immediate pleasure.

２．The Age of Relative Values and Transformation

However, in modern society where values have diversified and everything changes at an incredible speed, determining what is right or what one should do is no easy task. Pursuing the ultimate form of things (Ideas), as Aristotle and his disciple Plato advocated, has itself become difficult. The scope of “happiness” as defined by Aristotle appears too narrow for modern society.

In ancient Greece, the people one encountered daily were fixed, the amount of information one received in a lifetime was limited, and life's changes were minimal. In contrast, in an era where we are tasked with the struggle of continually finding our own answers to questions without definitive solutions, defining life's purpose, discerning our own characteristics, and weaving ourselves into relationships with others while harmonizing with these—this endeavor is fraught with various difficulties and pitfalls.

So, what should we do? There is no alternative but to persist through trial and error within active engagement with others.

Refining our senses and savoring the things and experiences before us invigorates our interactions with others. This is not merely speculation; it is also a moment that celebrates living as a human being. Simply feeling “Delicious!” when eating something tasty, or the tears that well up when encountering outstanding art or music—these pleasures experienced through the senses are also hedonia. Because they are universal and positive, they easily transcend human barriers.

Precisely because we live in such times, it is vital to directly affirm our humanity and embrace an attitude of enjoying life. People will naturally gather around such individuals, offering diverse perspectives.

3. The Ambidextrous Strategy

Aristotle did not entirely reject hedonia. He simply stated that it holds only secondary importance, serving merely as a respite or byproduct to achieve the ultimate goal. In today's world, one cannot navigate life's rough seas without pursuing both eudaimonia and hedonia. Leaning too heavily toward either will inevitably lead to deficiencies in the other, dragging you down.

In Japan, the path to success has long been defined by relentless study to enter a prestigious university, securing a position at a top corporation, and working tirelessly until retirement. Yet this paradigm is crumbling. We must now deeply question whether this truly leads to a fulfilling life, whether it cultivates admirable individuals, and whether it effectively passes on what should be passed on to the next generation.

The next generation of UHNW education requires planning with both eudaimonia and hedonia in mind. It necessitates long-term planning, constant review, and updates regarding when and what learning opportunities to provide, what experiences to share, and what values to be cultivated.

A prestigious wine shop in London, named "Hedonism"