In today’s fast-paced life, the pursuit of happiness seems to have become our main goal. However, what is the true meaning of happiness? This is a question that many philosophers, scientists and psychologists continue to explore. Whether based on the foundations of ancient Greek philosophy or in-depth research in modern psychology, the concept of "prosperity" has been given new meaning.
"Human flourishing is the complete goodness of human development, including positive psychological and social functioning."
The concept of prosperity first appeared in Greek philosophy, especially in the works of Aristotle, who used "eudaimonia" to express the ideal state of life. This state is not just a sense of happiness in the moment, but also continuous joy and growth throughout life. In addition, modern psychology has also explored this concept in depth and emphasized different dimensions of prosperity, such as mental health, social connections, and life satisfaction.
Aristotle pointed out that flourishing is a continuous life activity associated with virtue. This view was again taken up by later philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas, who likened prosperity to a "flower" and believed that people's virtues would bear fruit like flowers. He believed that only through time and hard work could people achieve true prosperity and happiness.
“Flourishing occurs when people experience sustained states of good mood, psychological functioning, and social functioning.”
In today's positive psychology, psychologist Martin Seligman proposed five key elements, called the PERMA model, which include: happiness, immersion, meaning, achievement
and interpersonal relationships. Together, these factors build an overall state of happiness and prosperity.
Prosperity is not just about individuals; it is about the health of society as a whole. Research shows that when most people in a society feel prosperous, the overall well-being of the society also increases. Good social connections, supportive communities and equal opportunities are key factors in promoting social prosperity.
"True happiness does not exist in isolation, but is closely linked to prosperity."
The pursuit of happiness is often measured in terms of instantaneous pleasure, but is this enough? In theory, self-growth, meaning in life, and good interpersonal relationships are the important cornerstones of long-term happiness. Happiness can be temporary, but prosperity is a lifelong pursuit, which makes us think about the deeper values of life.
The achievement of prosperity involves the joint efforts of individuals and society. Everyone can increase their sense of personal flourishing by setting goals, developing strengths, and seeking support. Businesses and social organizations should also pay attention to the happiness and health of their people, thereby promoting social prosperity on a larger scale.
ConclusionIn the pursuit of happiness, perhaps we should always reflect: Are we pursuing short-term happiness or lasting prosperity?