Snippets: Made for Happiness

In Made for Happiness:  Discovering the Meaning of Life with Aristotle Jean Vanier synthesizes major concepts in Aristolte's philosophy.  He focuses on extracting wisdom from Aristotle's writings that can be applied to everyday life.  The discussion is concise and focused, considering what is necessary to live a full, rich human life.
     Vanier begins by outlining Aristotle's concept of happiness, and then proceeds to discuss the nature of friendship, truth, and virtue.  In a final, short chapter, Vanier describes the weaknesses in Aristotle's philosophy, particularly regarding the sanctity of all human life, and the nature of our relationship with God.
     Vanier quotes often from Aristotle throughout the book, but also intersperses his own wise, thoughtful commentary.
     Some highlights from the book:
"There is no way of becoming just, wise, and good other than through the actual exercise of these virtues through the daily regulation of our spontaneous desires by the logos.  'States of character arise out of activities.  This is why the activities we exhibit must be of a certain kind' (NE 1103b20).  Temperate action gradually creates the virtue of temperance.  In order to become accomplished and mature, a man needs good dispositions, among them good health and a good education.  He needs to have opted definitely for a good life and true happiness, and desire to progress towards that end; this involves work on himself, effort and struggle in order to look clearly into himself and orient his passions towards the best goal.  Become a mature human being takes time." (epub edition, 283)

From the chapter on friendship:  "Here, Aristotle provides us with some very interesting criteria for discernment.  He distinguishes between three sorts of friendship:  true friendship centred on the good of the other, which is fully deserving of the name friendship; friendship based on what is pleasant; and friendship based on usefulness.  These are the three motives that can inspire friendship" (epub edition, 135).

"In Aristotle's definition, happiness is not therefore a state, but a vital activity proceeding from within each human being.  Happiness, for Aristotle, is not the lot of someone who peacefully and comfortably enjoys his possessions, who is content with his family, work, success, riches, and honours, or is satisfied with himself.  Happiness is a vital activity that brings immense joy and that is life.  It is the completely joyous activity of one who is entirely, with his intelligence and whole being, oriented towards that which is nobler and greater than himself.  This life that is an activity, however, implies that we first work on ourselves.  It involves study and discipline" (epub edition, 60)

Made for Happiness: Discovering the Meaning of Life with Aristotle