Eudaimonia
conceptThe Greek concept of human flourishing — the highest good achievable in a mortal life.
The Myth
Eudaimonia literally means "good spirit" or "blessed by the gods," but Aristotle redefined it as the active exercise of virtue over a complete life. It is not mere pleasure or contentment but the fulfillment of one's highest human potential. For the Greeks, eudaimonia required not just personal virtue but also sufficient external goods — health, friends, moderate wealth — to exercise that virtue. The concept stood at the centre of Greek ethical philosophy and remains the foundation of virtue ethics today.
Symbols
Fun Fact
Eudaimonia is experiencing a revival in modern psychology as the basis of "eudaimonic well-being," now measured alongside hedonic happiness in clinical research.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Aegis
conceptThe aegis was a divine shield or breastplate belonging to Zeus and wielded by Athena, fringed with...
Agape
conceptSelfless, unconditional love — the highest form of love in Greek philosophical and theological...
Ajax (Shield)
conceptAjax's shield was a massive tower shield of seven ox-hides layered with bronze — the largest...
Aletheia
conceptTruth understood as unconcealment — the revealing of what was hidden.
Amazonomachy
conceptThe Amazonomachy was the legendary battle between the Athenians and the Amazons who invaded Athens...
Ambrosia
conceptAmbrosia was the food of the Olympian gods — anyone who consumed it became immortal, but mortals...
Anagnorisis
conceptAnagnorisis was the moment of recognition in tragedy — when the hero discovers the truth about...
Aporia
conceptA state of philosophical puzzlement where contradictory arguments seem equally strong.
Apotropaic
conceptApotropaic rituals and symbols were used to ward off evil, bad luck, and malicious spirits — from...
Arete
conceptArete was the Greek concept of excellence in all things — not merely moral virtue but the...
Arete (Concept)
conceptExcellence or virtue — the quality of being the best possible version of what something is.
Argonauts
conceptThe Argonauts were the band of heroes who sailed with Jason on the Argo to retrieve the Golden...