Are You a Platonist or an Aristotelian?

ancient philosophy and most spiritual perspectives embrace a eudemonic worldview, which advocates seeking a virtuous and meaningful life of growth and contribution.

Second, this philosophy presumes that fixed, accurate self-knowledge can be easily attained. In fact, lofty questions about identity and moral purpose, along with deceptively simple ones like “What am I passionate about?” take time to work out, and the answers frequently change. It’s unwise, no matter your stage of life, to try to pinpoint a single

For as Aristotle pointed out long ago, it is our way of pursuing happiness that makes us who we are, both personally and politically: “it is through hunting for [happiness] in a different manner and by means of different things that individuals create ways of life and regimes that differ.”

True philosophy has one question that contains all others: “How do you live the best life?” I assure you that this question cannot be answered by climbing the power ladder placed in front of you as a child. This question is answered by holding the perspective of the Universe in our mind, observing the essence of its movements (which often can’t be

If in doubt, go back to the earlier exercise where you asked yourself three questions: “Who am I?” “What do I want?” “What is my purpose?” It’s a good idea to revisit that exercise frequently. Now I’d like you to do it once more and add a new word: “What do I really want?” Keep asking it, over and over, until you feel you have gained insight into y

As I see it then, the formula runs something like this: a man must choose a path which will let his ABILITIES function at maximum efficiency toward the gratification of his DESIRES. In doing this, he is fulfilling a need (giving himself identity by functioning in a set pattern toward a set goal), he avoids frustrating his potential (choosing a path