Aristotle says…
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Aristotle (384 B.C.- 322 B.C.)
Aristotle contemplating a bust of Homer
Aristotle says something worthwhile when he declares that the goal of man is happiness, which consists in a virtuous life. But in view of the weakness of our nature who can reach this goal? Even those who are the most fortunate encounter discomforts of various kinds, which both misfortune and the ill will and meanness of men bring on. For such happiness peace of mind is necessary. But who can always preserve this amid the great changes of fortune? It is vain, therefore, to point out this goal which no one reaches. –Martin Luther
posted by Wartburg | Tuesday, February 14, 2006
2 Comments:
I would not say that the idea that “the goal of man is happiness” is “worthwhile” but rather accurate (for natural man), in that he seeks his own happiness or satisfaction. The assumption that the goal of man is happiness is seen in one of the fundamentals of modern economics, which is that man will “maximize utility” or, essentially, seek what makes him most happy. As Luther says, true happiness is impossible, without God that is (I assume that he was implying this here)
Ecclesiastes 2:25-27 (ESV)
for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Well said Elder Wade
I always enjoy your comments, they are "very well said".
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