“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few”
― Shunryu Suzuk
Always remain the student. A cup can never receive when it is full…empty the cup for new knowledge. The expert should always be ready to learn new possibilities. That is what it means to be a Master of oneself.
Greek word commonly translated as happiness or welfare. In Aristotle’s works, eudaimonia was (based on older Greek tradition) used as the term for the highest human good, and so it is the aim of practical philosophy, including ethics and political philosophy, to consider (and also experience) what it really is, and how it can be achieved.
Seven groupings of values and strengths that have been universally loved across cultures, religions and history:
• Integrity
• Generosity
• Courage
• Humility
• Compassion
• Loyalty
• Perseverance
Identify your strengths and virtues. At what do you shine? A literature review of all major religions and philosophies of the last 3,000 years reveals the same seven major categories of 24 virtues (from Seligman, Authentic Happiness, 2002):
I. Wisdom and Knowledge
II. Justice
III. Courage
IV. Temperance
VI. Love and Humanity
VII. Spirituality and Transcendence
Once you identify what truly matters to you, look at how you express these strengths and virtues in your daily life. Prioritize your values, distinguishing the top three to five that are most important to you today
The psychologist C. D. Ryff highlighted the distinction between eudaimonia wellbeing, which she identified as psychological well-being and pleasure. Building on Aristotelian ideals of belonging and benefiting others, flourishing, thriving and exercising excellence, she conceptualized eudaimonia as a six-factor structure :
1. Autonomy
2. Personal growth
3. Self-acceptance
4. Purpose in life
5. Environmental mastery
6. Positive relations with others.
Three paths to happy lives
Three paths to happy lives.
The core thesis in Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman 2002 is that there are three very different routes to happiness. First the Pleasant Life, consisting in having as many pleasures as possible and having the skills to amplify the pleasures. This is, of course, the only true kind of happiness on the Hollywood view. Second, the Good Life, which consists in knowing what your signature strengths are, and then recrafting your work, love, friendship, leisure and parenting to use those strengths to have more flow in life. Third, the Meaningful Life, which consists of using your signature strengths in the service of something that you believe is larger than you are.