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Aristippus of Cyrene, who lived from 435 BC to about 355 BC, was apparently the first philosopher to develop a complete philosophy of happiness. Aristippus was a student of Socrates. He is considered to be the founder of hedonism, which claims that the road to happiness is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. To Aristippus, physical pleasure is the true meaning of life.[2]
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Epicurus, who lived from 341 BC to 270 BC, believed that one should live a happy, self-sufficient life surrounded by friends. He recommended the path of the small pleasure: "Send me a small piece of cheese, so that I may indulge myself whenever I wish."[3]
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Epicurus taught the importance of being frugal in external things (knowing your "point of enough"), providing for the necessities of life, putting inner happiness in the center of life, and working every day on improving your mind. His goal was to overcome all fears and unnecessary desires, and thereby live like a god among men.
Diogenes of Sinope advocated asceticism. By following an ascetic way of life, one can attain the state of inner peace and inner happiness. According to legend, Diogenes lived in a barrel, living like a yogi in a cave. Diogenes was the first man who described himself as a "world citizen". He saw himself in all other beings and in the whole world, and was one with all. He lived in the manner described in yoga as "Sat-Chit-Ananda" (existence - unity - bliss).[4]
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These are the three main philosophies of happiness. Which is right? What is your way? This article will help you to decide for yourself.
Think about your life. Ask the big questions that are so often left unanswered. What are your goals? What do you want to attain in life? "My goals are ... " (choose yours: health, wealth, having friends, a good job, being loved, travel, a big house, helping those in need, promoting love and peace, alleviating poverty and hunger, etc.).
Reflect on inner and outer happiness. Research shows that 90 percent of happiness comes from inside, with only 10 percent derived from external things like a great partner, a lot of money, or a big career. Consider investing your energy in a healthy life, meditation, positive thinking, and working for a happier world.
Think about enlightenment. Enlightenment is the greatest form of happiness. Find your personal way of spirituality. Center your life in God or in a higher reason like truth, love, inner happiness or enlightenment. What are the spiritual exercises you want to do daily? Some suggestions include: yoga, meditation, reading, positive thinking, walking, praying, doing good, etc.
Make a good plan for your life. In yoga there are four phases of a full life: good learning in childhood; good work as adult; a good relationship or family; and good self-realization. If you're enlightened, you're happy at a high level. You know how to master the crises of life and to grow in your inner happiness despite such moments, and at all times. You live in love, peace, unity and happiness. And you need no outer things to be happy. If they come it is good. If they don't come, it is also good. You're independent from other people and outer wealth. But you can have it, if you want. You only must know how to manage wise inner happiness and outer pleasure.
Live as a philosopher of happiness. Desire inner happiness. You can go the fast way to enlightenment like Diogenes (live like a yogi), the middle way to enlightenment like Epicurus (live inner and outer happiness at the same time) or the way to unenlightenment like Aristippus (outer pleasure and inner suffering). It is likely that one or other of the suggested ways resonates with you, or maybe even a combination. It is recommended that you apply each philosophical approach to your own life and experiences, to work out what fits you best.
Think about life, try out, find your way and realize your inner happiness. This is the essence of philosophy. Buddha, Diogenes, Epicurus, Socrates and also Jesus showed us the path. We have to go the way of inner happiness by ourselves. Let us all succeed. May we all find our path of wisdom, love, peace and light.
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