On Happiness: Nicomachean Ethics Book X

Happiness is not a comfortable state of well-being, but an energetic and carefully considered endeavour to lead a rich and meaningful life.

Few books are so suited to stimulating critical thought about the good life as Aristotle ’ s Nicomachean Ethics. What makes the Ethics so appealing is that Aristotle always remains realistic, in spite of his high ideals, and is constantly testing his views against those of others. In Book X of the Ethics, included in this volume, the great philosopher discusses what happiness [eudaimonia] is and how to achieve it.