Book 10 / Chapter 6
Paragraph 3 - Virtuous Life and Happiness
Explanation - Part By Part
"The happy life is thought to be virtuous; now a virtuous life requires exertion, and does not consist in amusement."
A happy life, according to Aristotle, is closely tied to living virtuously. However, living a virtuous life isn't about indulging in mere entertainment or fleeting pleasures—it requires effort, dedication, and purposeful action. True happiness isn't found in just amusing oneself or escaping effort but in engaging meaningfully with life's challenges in ways that align with virtue.
"And we say that serious things are better than laughable things and those connected with amusement, and that the activity of the better of any two things-whether it be two elements of our being or two men-is the more serious; but the activity of the better is ipso facto superior and more of the nature of happiness."
Aristotle is essentially saying that things we consider serious or meaningful are of greater value than things connected to frivolity or amusement. In comparing two things—whether it's two parts of a person (e.g., mind vs. body) or two individuals—the activity or function of the "better" one is naturally more important and, therefore, closer to true happiness. By "better," he refers to what is more virtuous or excellent in nature (like intellect, reason, or virtue) rather than something tied solely to base pleasures or distractions. Happiness, as he has been defining it throughout, is linked to engaging in these higher, more meaningful activities, rather than merely pursuing superficial enjoyment.
"And any chance person-even a slave-can enjoy the bodily pleasures no less than the best man; but no one assigns to a slave a share in happiness-unless he assigns to him also a share in human life."
In this passage, Aristotle is making a distinction between bodily pleasures and true happiness. He argues that anyone, no matter their status—whether they are a slave or a free, virtuous person—can experience bodily pleasures. These pleasures are not exclusive or tied to someone's moral character or higher purpose. However, bodily pleasures alone do not constitute true happiness.
Aristotle brings up the example of slaves to highlight this point. A slave might enjoy physical pleasures, but society does not generally recognize a slave as sharing in the broader experience of what it means to live a fully human and flourishing life (which, for Aristotle, involves virtues, reason, and moral character). For true happiness to belong to someone, they must partake in "human life" in the fuller sense—not just bodily existence or fleeting pleasures, but a life shaped by meaningful, virtuous activity.
This statement underscores Aristotle's belief that happiness is deeply tied to the practice of virtue, which requires rational engagement and moral purpose, something he does not believe is defined by mere physical or momentary enjoyment.
"For happiness does not lie in such occupations, but, as we have said before, in virtuous activities."
Aristotle is emphasizing that true happiness isn't found in fleeting pleasures or trivial pastimes. Instead, it lies in living a life of virtue—engaging in actions that reflect moral goodness, wisdom, and excellence. Virtuous activities are meaningful and tied to our highest human potential, unlike momentary pleasures, which can be enjoyed by anyone, even those who lack a life shaped by higher moral or intellectual values. Happiness, for Aristotle, is deeply connected to actively living in alignment with our best selves.