Book 1 / Chapter 10
Paragraph 6 - Stability and Resilience of the Happy Person
Explanation - Part By Part
"Nor, again, is he many-coloured and changeable; for neither will he be moved from his happy state easily or by any ordinary misadventures,"
Aristotle is saying that a truly happy person—a person who has cultivated virtue and lives wisely—is not someone whose emotional state or sense of well-being changes rapidly or easily, like someone with a "many-colored" or highly inconsistent personality. This kind of happiness is stable and deeply rooted; it cannot be shaken by everyday setbacks or minor problems. In other words, true happiness isn't fragile or tied to superficial, fleeting circumstances—it is resilient and enduring.
"but only by many great ones, nor, if he has had many great misadventures, will he recover his happiness in a short time,"
Aristotle is saying that a truly happy person—one who is virtuous and wise—is not easily shaken by everyday setbacks or small misfortunes. However, if this person encounters many great and serious misfortunes (events of significant impact), their happiness might be disrupted. Furthermore, recovering that sense of happiness and balance after such major misfortunes will not happen quickly. It would require time and effort, as well as significant positive achievements over that period, to rebuild a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
"but if at all, only in a long and complete one in which he has attained many splendid successes."
Aristotle is saying that if a truly happy person—someone living a virtuous and fulfilling life—experiences great misfortunes, their happiness won't just bounce back quickly or easily. Regaining that happiness would require a long period filled with significant accomplishments or "splendid successes" to rebuild the state of flourishing they once had. In other words, true happiness and fulfillment take time and effort to recover after major setbacks, and they depend on a process of achieving meaningful successes again, not just superficial fixes.