Were he alive today he might well include some forms of technological innovation. So the good life is one in which a person cultivates and exercises their rational faculties by, for instance, engaging in scientific inquiry, philosophical discussion, artistic creation, or legislation. Aristotle argues that what separates human beings from the other animals is the human reason.

This is why the couch potato is not living well, even if they report that they are content.

Engagement: They must exercise their uniquely human abilities and capacities.

Any life can be rendered unhappy by tragic loss or misfortune. This is an example of Aristotle’s common sense. But ideally, a person’s qualities and achievements will be recognized by others. Aristotle doesn’t think that fame or glory is necessary in fact, a craving for fame can lead people astray, just as the desire for excessive wealth can. Whether you are looking for a new home project or just want to get a quick and easy dinner on the table, you’ve come to the right place. I hope my blog can make your day just a little easier and a lot sweeter along the way.

Respect: They should enjoy the respect of others. We all know life can be hecticit’s my mission to help you navigate your way through it all.

According to Aristotle human beings are innately social so the good life can’t be that of a hermit, a recluse, or a misanthrope.

Friendship: They must have good friends.

Prosperity: They should be comfortably off (for Aristotle this meant affluent enough so that they don’t need to work for a living doing something that they would not freely choose to do.).

Health: They should enjoy good health and reasonably long life.

Life by life