10 Life Lessons from Aristotle to Live a Happy Life

In all things of nature, there is something marvelous.

Aristotle

I love Greek philosophers and Greek stories. Some of you think Greek philosophers are older men debating political and social issues. However, these great philosophers read philosophy, poetry, zoology, and theater.

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, a student of Plato, and a teacher of Alexander the Great. He is the most important figure in western philosophy. They included his work in philosophy, morality, ethics, science, and metaphysics.

Aristotle left behind ethics and other subjects, and he pointed out the pursuit of happiness. He studied human behavior and the reasons for happiness in people.

He realized that happiness is an achievable goal, and obstacles are our behaviors. According to Aristotle, happiness depends on us, and it does not depend on destiny or luck. He lived his purpose of sharing knowledge with others.

Let’s discover 10 life-changing lessons from Aristotle to live a happy life.

1. No one can learn without pain

Aristotle believed that mental and physical health conditions were essential for happiness. Pain is an important element of learning. He says experiences, which hurt us, make us more resistant to future circumstances. These experiences teach us important lessons to protect ourselves in the future.

2. The Fifty Enemies Cure is a Friend

According to Aristotle, nothing is better than good friends’ support, even when everyone is against us. He realized the importance of allies when he lost his best student, Alexander, and when he was surrounded by his enemies. That’s true, we need a friend to support us in difficult times. As we say, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

3. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet

Becoming desperate to achieve something will not solve the problem faster. For example, we sometimes become desperate to get money and use shortcuts to get it. “Learning patience can be a difficult experience, but once conquered, you will find life is easier.”

4. The gods, too, are fond of jokes

Aristotle believed that happiness was an actor, not a state. It is important to find happiness and enjoy things like laughter. Sometimes we feel upset and embarrassed by pranks and jokes. We should enjoy these jokes. The best thing is to laugh at yourself and let your guard down for some time.

5. The one who overcomes fear will be free

Aristotle believed in the ability of humans to overcome obstacles. He says happiness depends on the cultivation of virtue. In simple words, taking steps toward your inner fear is a big initiative toward happiness. Happiness does not depend on destiny or luck. It depends on our actions and behaviors.

6. Never, Ever Stop Learning

According to Aristotle, education is the best provision from youth to old age. He says that an educated person differs from an uneducated person, just as the living differ from the dead. He believed all men desired natural knowledge. Those who educate their children will have more honor as they teach them the art of living well.

7. The art of writing is beautiful

Aristotle believed that poetry was more philosophical than history because poetry expresses the universal, and history defines the particular. The aim of writing is to define the inner significance of things, not just their outward appearance. Poetry bestows a special gift on man or touches with a dash of madness.

8. One of the biggest victories is conquering your ego

According to Aristotle, the bravest man is the one who overcomes his own desires. No victory is better than a victory for oneself. Knowing yourself is greater wisdom. The one who conquers all fears of self will be free one day.

9. To achieve anything, you must have the will power

According to Aristotle, one can achieve anything with willpower. Always prefer the probably impossible to the probably possible. Excellence is never an accident that occurs suddenly. Excellence results from high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. It represents the wise choices of alternatives that determine destiny.

10. Never underestimate the power of darkness

Aristotle believed that in our darkest moments, we must focus in order to realize. The difficult times in our lives strengthen us. That is something that I have also experienced in my life.

The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong in their broken places.

Ernest Hemingway