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Finding Happiness in a Complex World: Rules from Aristotle and Aquinas
Why, since happiness is so universally sought after, are so many people so miserable? The answer can be found by unpacking the wisdom of two of history's intellectual giants who set out to answer the question that has confounded man from time What makes us happy? Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas existed sixteen centuries apart, yet each reached similar understandings about what makes a person happy and what makes him miserable. In these enlightening pages, Dr. Charles Nemeth synthesizes the judgments of history's two greatest thinkers to present for you a life plan that inevitably leads to a happy human existence, whatever your ethnicity, religion, or citizenship. You will explore what it means to be happy and will come to understand the limitations of happiness. You'll learn how to live in accordance with your basic nature so that your inclinations will not conflict with that which makes you flourish. And you'll calibrate your compass so that you will be able to
234 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2022
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 9, 2023
It’s not that the content is bad, it’s just that it is so incredibly basic. The layout is essentially this:
Chapter 1: this is Aristotle and Aquinas. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher (among other things) and Aquinas a groundbreaking theologian of his time.
Chapter 2: definition of happiness
Chapter 3: wealth =/= happiness. Look at these charts and figures proving it.
Chapter 4: fame =/= happiness. Look at these charts and figures proving it.
Chapter 5: pleasure =/= happiness. Look at these charts and figures proving it.
Chapter 6: the nuclear family is often happier than cohabiters, single parents, or couples who choose not to have children. Charts and figures.
Chapter 7: religious people are often happier and live longer. Charts and figures.
Chapter 8: summary of each chapter with Questions to Ask Yourself.
If you are a Catholic, or even Protestant Christian, with even the most basic religious foundation, none of this is news.
*TL;DR A life governed by charity and Faith is the best path to happiness.*
I would much more recommend the Quest for Happiness series of religion books. There is so much more depth and, imo, should be required reading for all Catholic high schoolers (and adults, especially if your religious education was lacking).
Chapter 1: this is Aristotle and Aquinas. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher (among other things) and Aquinas a groundbreaking theologian of his time.
Chapter 2: definition of happiness
Chapter 3: wealth =/= happiness. Look at these charts and figures proving it.
Chapter 4: fame =/= happiness. Look at these charts and figures proving it.
Chapter 5: pleasure =/= happiness. Look at these charts and figures proving it.
Chapter 6: the nuclear family is often happier than cohabiters, single parents, or couples who choose not to have children. Charts and figures.
Chapter 7: religious people are often happier and live longer. Charts and figures.
Chapter 8: summary of each chapter with Questions to Ask Yourself.
If you are a Catholic, or even Protestant Christian, with even the most basic religious foundation, none of this is news.
*TL;DR A life governed by charity and Faith is the best path to happiness.*
I would much more recommend the Quest for Happiness series of religion books. There is so much more depth and, imo, should be required reading for all Catholic high schoolers (and adults, especially if your religious education was lacking).
July 15, 2024
16% through. Great and timeless philosophy for claiming happiness for yourself!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews