The End of Happiness by Dan Kahneman

The End of Happiness by Daniel Kahneman is a powerful read. We’ve all wanted to be happy, but what does happiness actually look like? And how do we know if we’re truly happy? In this book, Kahneman explores the topic with an array of case studies, including how people remember family events and emotional outbursts. The results of his research are astounding. Whether you’re a devoted fan of books or an apathetic skeptic, The End of the Road by Dan Kahneman is a compelling read.

The philosophy of happiness originated with the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. He founded the first scientific institute in Athens, the Lyceum, and delivered a series of lectures in the Nicomachean Ethics. The book examines the nature of happiness and focuses on the question: What is the ultimate purpose of our existence? Aristotle argued that happiness should be an end in itself, not a means to an end. The Cyrenaic school of thought argued that we should only seek to be happy if we experience pleasure or satisfaction.

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics helped us better understand what happiness is and how to attain it. Aristotle’s philosophy summarized his views on the topic in “The Pursuit of Happiness.” Aristotle defined eudaimonia as “exercising virtue” and a lifelong goal. Achieving eudaimonia is a journey, not a destination. It requires the use of the mind and a strong willpower.