Book 1 / Chapter 10
Paragraph 3 - The Permanence of Virtuous Activities and the Happy Man
Explanation - Part By Part
"The question we have now discussed confirms our definition. For no function of man has so much permanence as virtuous activities (these are thought to be more durable even than knowledge of the sciences), and of these themselves the most valuable are more durable because those who are happy spend their life most readily and most continuously in these; for this seems to be the reason why we do not forget them."
In this part, Aristotle is reinforcing his idea that true happiness is deeply connected to virtuous activities. He argues that, out of all human functions, virtuous actions are the most lasting and stable—they endure more reliably than even theoretical knowledge, such as that gained from studying the sciences. This is because virtuous activities are not just occasional; they become a natural and ongoing part of life for those who are truly happy. People who are happy, Aristotle says, dedicate themselves consistently and willingly to virtuous living, and this constancy is what makes these activities so enduring and unforgettable. Essentially, virtue becomes a habit for the happy person, making it a steady and permanent part of their existence.
"The attribute in question, then, will belong to the happy man, and he will be happy throughout his life; for always, or by preference to everything else, he will be engaged in virtuous action and contemplation, and he will bear the chances of life most nobly and altogether decorously, if he is 'truly good' and 'foursquare beyond reproach'."
In this part, Aristotle is reinforcing his idea that true happiness isn't something fleeting or dependent on external circumstances, like wealth or luck. Instead, it comes from living a life of virtue—consistently choosing and engaging in virtuous actions and reflection. He argues that a genuinely happy person—someone who is "truly good" and morally upright ("foursquare beyond reproach")—doesn’t get easily shaken by life’s ups and downs. Even when faced with challenges or misfortunes, such a person handles them with dignity, strength, and moral integrity. This stability and focus on virtue ensure that their happiness is enduring, not something that wavers depending on external factors. Essentially, happiness is tied to character and choices, not temporary circumstances.