Why hello there. It’s a pleasure to meet you. If this is your first time visiting Eudalife.com, I, as its founder and creator, would like to personally welcome you. I do hope you decide to stick around. Now onto the fun stuff: what this blog is all about…
So What Is This Blog All About?
As I’m sure is the case, you, like many others, are wondering what this website is all about. If not, I’m certain you’re at least a little curious about its name. Well, put simply, Euda Life stems from a lesser known, albeit fascinating, Greek concept: Eudaimonia. Often translated as “happiness” or as a term to refer to true “human flourishing”, the word originates from the classics.
When I say classics, I am referring to some of history’s greatest known philosophers.
While many ancient Greek thinkers wrote on the matter, none have been so profoundly associated with “Eudaimonia” as Aristotle. Nestled within his writings on the “virtues”, a subject this blog will delve into much deeper, Aristotle conceptualised happiness/human flourishing as the highest form of human good. Such “good” entails that one, that “one” being you and me, aim to be the best version of ourselves everyday; whether it’s by being a better partner, finding your purpose, perfecting a talent or extending your brain further than before, all such activities lead to you reaching Aristotle’s said human good.
What makes this understanding of happiness so amazing then?
Good question.
Most appealing, at least from the way I see it, is that unlike many of our modern conceptions/understanding of happiness, Eudaimonia views happiness not as an end goal but as a fluctuating entity: a vehicle capable of fine tuning or upgrading, not the final destination itself. As I am sure we can all admit, happiness is not permanent, nor can it be bought. Instead happiness is a feeling which takes craft. It also is fleeting; never can we expect happiness to be forever present or stable. That being said, such a reality doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to be happy everyday nor that we are incapable of understanding the concept better.
No.
Instead we ought to view happiness as a positive opportunity. Whereas it is a “feeling” wrongly viewed as reaching Everest’s peak, the moment when one reaches the top and that’s it, it can (and should be) accepted as the long winding journey which one takes to reach the top; the adventure which requires us to build character, allow us to make meaningful connections and ultimately discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Now who wouldn’t want that?
Ultimately, Eudaimonia (human flourishing) is all about finding a sense of purpose, applying effort, living virtuously and achieving continual progress (much like James Clear’s 1% better everyday approach).
So why dedicate a whole blog/business to it?
Another insightful question.
As someone who has been battling with a depleting mental and physical state, increased loneliness and complete loss of oneself, Eudaimonia came to me when I thought all hope was lost.
From academic overachiever, creative artiste, family “fun bubble” and overall “all-rounder” to a hollow, despondent and quite literally sick, shell of a human. Put simply, life has been tough these past seven to eight years.
However, I know I cannot be alone. Nor do I wish to sit despondent, bowing away at my tiny violin.
If we’re honest, the last decade or so has been tough on all of us; the deterioration of politics (at a domestic and global level), a once (fingers crossed) in a lifetime pandemic, the unfolding of multiple wars/war crimes and lets not even utter anything associated to the econ*** or climate cha***…
Phew. That was close.
Added to our shared strife, I’m sure many of you will, and are likely still experiencing, your own personal battles. Whether it be associated with your own mental or physical health, family circumstances, work, friends, romantic relationships, sense of purpose or simply put: you too feel utterly lost.
You and I – Your struggles and mine – are exactly why this blog exists.
It is hoped that Euda Life can become your new safe haven. A place in which you can learn, connect or expand your life/mind. Ultimately, and arguably most importantly, it is here to teach you all about happiness and human flourishing – because everyone deserves to live their own Euda(imonia).
Yours truly,
(founder and creator)