An Introduction to Eudaimonics

Simply put - eudaimonia is the highest good available to humans. It is within us - not some external presence we feel duty bound toward. All people can achieve eudaimonia. It is an objective end toward which all subjectivity meaningfully applies. Everybody finds eudaimonia in different ways. It is complete, perfect happiness.

But what IS it? And is it only an anthropocentric entity? Well, no. I believe eudaimonia has a lot more to give to the world than its current Ancient Greek meaning of human happiness and well-being. Not only is eudaimonia happiness and fulfilment, it is health and intrinsic value, it is morality and justice, it is love, truth and beauty, it is heaven on earth, and, ultimately, God. This may sound confusing. How can one idea, especially one of such a debatable term as happiness, be extended to such a wide range of human definitions of what we deem to be good? And does it extend to nature?

The answer lies among a debate poked and prodded at for centuries. Scientists, philosophers and theologians alike have teased and circumferenced the only rational and testable explanation of God we have. And it was once an argument of such power and persuasion our ancestors were, perhaps, afraid to accept it in a period of personal and social upheaval. Ultimately, it was heavily misinterpreted, and religious belief grew. Throughout the modern world it has significant influence politically, socially, economically and spiritually. As well as dominating ancient culture, its modern interpretations have as much effect on us as ever. We know when it is mis-used - we can feel it. We've evolved to sense it - just like all the natural world revolves around it we find ourselves cast adrift from it and if we only listen and observe nature from whence we came we will find eudaimonia once again.

Yes, but what is it? This question has stumped millions for millennia. And millions have the answer, if only they knew it. The title of the blog may give the game away...

Balance is an ancient concept. We're all familiar with it, and we're all familiar with just how important it is. Balance is spread generically through our systems. From imbalances have grown survival instincts, from evolution have evolved forms of balance immense and indescribable. Beauty is in balance, health of all things is balance, love of the world is balance. And from all perceptions and representations comes the combination of all balance - the perfect balance - the balance I call oalance.