Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man’s own will.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote is a reflection on the nature of happiness and its relationship with virtue and personal will. In essence, it suggests that true happiness isn't a product of external circumstances or material possessions, but it's born out of virtuous actions and our conscious decisions. It reminds us that virtue — the inherent goodness, the moral excellence in our actions — is the key to securing enduring happiness. It's not just about being virtuous for the sake of appearances or societal expectations, but for the peace and contentment it brings to our own lives. It also highlights the concept of free will and personal responsibility in the pursuit of happiness. It underscores the notion that we are the masters of our own happiness, and it is through our choices, our deliberate acts of goodness and virtue, that we can truly attain and secure it. It serves as a reminder that happiness isn't something that's handed to us; it's something we cultivate and nurture through our own actions and decisions.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will" reflects the philosophy of ancient Greece, particularly the ideas espoused by Aristotle. A historical figure who embodies this concept is the Greek philosopher Socrates.
Socrates, known for his emphasis on virtue and moral integrity, famously asserted that true happiness comes from living a virtuous life. His life and trial offer a profound illustration of this quote. Socrates lived in Athens during a time of significant political and social upheaval. He was known for his practice of questioning societal norms and engaging in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of virtue and happiness.
Despite facing significant personal risk, Socrates remained steadfast in his commitment to his principles. His belief that happiness comes from virtue and ethical living led him to challenge the Athenian status quo, which ultimately resulted in his trial and execution. Socrates was sentenced to death for allegedly corrupting the youth and impiety, but he faced his fate with remarkable composure. He believed that living virtuously and upholding one's moral principles was more important than preserving his life at the expense of his values.
Socrates’ commitment to virtue over self-preservation exemplifies the idea that true happiness is not merely a matter of external circumstances but is achieved through one's internal character and moral choices. His life illustrates how happiness is secured through virtue and is a good attained by one's own will, as he chose to uphold his principles even at great personal cost.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote "Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will" in a real-life scenario involves understanding that happiness is deeply connected to living a life aligned with one's values and ethical standards. This concept can be illustrated through the example of a modern-day individual navigating their career and personal life.
Consider someone named Alex, who is faced with a challenging decision at work. Alex is a project manager at a company where the pressure to succeed and achieve results is intense. One day, Alex discovers that a colleague is engaging in unethical practices to meet deadlines, such as falsifying reports. Alex is aware that exposing this misconduct could lead to significant personal and professional fallout, but it would align with their values of honesty and integrity.
Choosing to report the unethical behavior might not be the easiest path and could bring immediate difficulties, including potential backlash from colleagues or jeopardizing a career advancement. However, by choosing to act in accordance with their principles, Alex is upholding virtue—living in a way that aligns with their moral beliefs about honesty and fairness. In the long term, Alex's commitment to these values contributes to a deeper sense of self-respect and fulfillment, which translates into true happiness.
The real-life application of this quote shows that happiness isn't simply about avoiding hardship or achieving external success. It is more about making choices that reflect one's inner values and maintaining personal integrity, even when it’s challenging. By living in accordance with one's virtues and making decisions that align with one's ethical beliefs, an individual secures a profound and enduring sense of happiness that goes beyond mere external achievements.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
