Let’s examine the meaning of Eudaimonia and how it has impacted positive psychology’s understanding of “happiness” and “well-being.”
Eu the prefix which signifies good or well and the Greek word daimon which refers to spirit are combined to form the word eudaimonia. Aristotle came up with the word “eudaimonia,” which roughly translates to “living and doing well.” In fact the concept of Eudaimonia comes from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, his philosophical work on the ‘science of happiness’.
Eudaimonia is frequently understood to signify happiness in its most basic translation. The word’s translation from the original ancient Greek is variously given as flourishing, welfare, and wellness.
According to the self determination theory, fulfillment in the areas of autonomy and competence are associated to happiness. conforming to this viewpoint, eudaimonic activities will result in subjective well-being (happy) as a by-product. Therfore, happiness is said to be produced by higher-order meaning and life purpose.
Eudaimonia, in contrast to happiness, is a state of being or, more specifically for Aristotle, a state of activity rather than an emotion.
Although it results in the highest level of pleasure or satisfaction, it does not originate from pleasure but rather from higher values and principles that go beyond the present moment.
Eudaimonic well-being also refers to a more profound form of enjoyment that results from leading a meaningful life, putting your talents to good use, and achieving your full potential in the world. It is known to be felt as a sense of accomplishment and contentment.
Ultimately, Eudaimonia’s contemporary equivalent is expected to be ‘flourishing’. The general formula for achieving eudaimonic well-being is the combination of both effort and meaning that results in fulfillment.
