Happy (Part 2), 7 - 7 -2010

 [Continued from Happy (Part 1), 7–7 -2010. sch 2/11/23.]

Not much has truly changed in human nature since 322 B.C.

The life in accord with the other kind of virtue [i.e. the kind concerned with actions] is [happiest] in a secondary way, because the activities in accord with this virtue are human....

 Nicomachean Ethics, Book X, Chapter 8, §1.

This should be conflict with Christianity's emphasis on the otherworldly. I think the Old Testament's Proverbs, Wisdom of Solomon, and Wisdom of Sirach deal more with the difficulty of the religious living in the world. Yes, I know Nietzsche made this observation/criticism of Christianity with all the acuity and bile of a spurned lover – what he finds wrong is not false but wrong from his perspective. Every serious Christian needs to give Thus Spake Zarathustra, Ecce Homo, and The Antichrist a good reading. 

Aristotle jumps on the idea that human needs undercuts our efforts at a better life:

But happiness will need external prosperity also, since we are human beings; for our nature is not self-sufficient for study, but we need a healthy body, and need to hav efood and other services provided. Still, even though no one can be blessedly happy without external goods, we must not think that to be happy we will need many large goods. For self-sufficiency and action do not depend on excess.

 Nicomachean Ethics, Book X, Chapter 8, §9. 

What would America be without excess? From the largest boar at the Indiana State Fair to a Hummer to Wall Street salaries, we envy excess. I suspect economists and CEOs would all cringe at the thought of a frugal world, buying only enough to keep body and soul fed and clothed. What would our GDP be like if we bought only what we needed and not what we were told we needed? Why a Rolex rather than a Timex?

What would our mental health be like if all we worked for was only what we required for existence?

And if you think Aristotle sounds a bit harsh, consider this:

So do not worry and say 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly FAther knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides....

Matthew, 6, 31-34 (New American Bible). One might well wonder about the Christianity of our capitalistic system.

Adam Smith was not numbered among Christ's apostles. Economics does seem contradictory to ethics. 

I think we must go back, and ask again if happiness is the highest good for a human being. Then we must ask Aristotle's second question, ask how do we define happiness.

I suspect many will disagree strongly with Aristotle about what shall make Americans happy. Maybe they will do so with more than slogans and one-liners.

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