Archivi dei tag: prosperity

Aristotle and the 11 Rules for Living Happily

It might seem strange to think that the wisdom of an ancient philosopher like Aristotle could still resonate in our fast-paced, digital age. However, Aristotle’s insights remain profoundly relevant, offering a blueprint for a fulfilling life even in the complexities of the modern world. If Aristotle spoke of 11 rules for living happily, it’s because he believed there is indeed a path to eudaimonia—a term that encapsulates the highest human good, often translated as “flourishing” or “happiness.”

At first glance, it may appear absurd that the thoughts of a man who lived centuries ago could reflect the reality of our rapidly evolving society. However, Aristotle understood the human condition in a way that transcends time. No matter how much trends, mindsets, or expectations change, the pursuit of happiness remains a central concern for humanity. According to Aristotle, there are 11 rules to achieve a happy life. If you follow them consistently, happiness will be yours—and not only that, you’ll also unlock the secret to living the best life possible.

What Is Eudaimonia?

How does one achieve a happy life? What exactly is eudaimonia? According to Aristotle, it’s the concept of a life well-lived, where happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but the result of continuous action directed toward a state of well-being and prosperity. This idea goes beyond physical well-being, encompassing what resides deep within our hearts, minds, and spirits.

In his “Nicomachean Ethics,” Aristotle often pondered the question, “What kind of person should I be?”—a far more profound inquiry than the more common, “What should I do to be happy?” A man of his wisdom could not be content with the average view of happiness. He recognized that true happiness involves focusing one’s resources and energy on self-improvement. This focus not only enriches the individual but also positively impacts the world around them, making life truly fulfilling.

Aristotle, who saw humans as inherently social creatures, dedicated to relationships and communities, faced personal adversity, including the loss of his great student Alexander the Great and subsequent political tensions. Despite these challenges, Aristotle considered himself happy because he adhered to these 11 rules.

Are Aristotle’s Rules for Happiness Effective?

The first question one should ask is whether they truly know what they want to be. In many cases, sadness stems from a lack of self-awareness, leading to an absence of goals and a deep sense of frustration. Human beings are meant to explore both the world and themselves. Without a clear path or understanding of who they might become, they cannot know what to do to achieve happiness.

Eudaimonia, the state of living well and thriving, is achieved through virtue. The person you aspire to be is a virtuous one. Virtues are character traits and tendencies that, when practiced consistently, become excellent habits. Virtuous individuals become role models for themselves and others, contributing to a better society. These virtues are the “golden mean,” golden rules that help one attain the ultimate goal.

There are 11 virtues, just like the 11 rules for eudaimonia.

  • The first is Courage—aware of dangers, one fights for their dreams.
  • Next is Temperance, which lies between excess and deficiency. For Aristotle, both the man who drinks too much (lacking temperance) and the one who never drinks at all (being overly temperate) are in the wrong. The key is finding the right balance.
  • Then there is Liberality—giving more than one has to others, particularly in doing good.
  • Magnificence is knowing you are great and striving for the best without showing off.
  • Magnanimity involves serving others with kindness without falling prey to pride.
  • Patience is about avoiding outbursts of anger—venting is fine, but in the face of adversity, remaining calm and serene helps one handle challenges better.
  • Truthfulness—honesty always pays off, even when it seems impossible and could cause trouble. The truth always finds its way back.
  • Wittiness and Friendliness go hand in hand, involving the art of social interaction with genuine humor without being vulgar or intrusive.
  • Shame is about understanding one’s limits—avoiding becoming either shameless or too timid to act.
  • Last, but certainly not least, there is Justice—the ideal that animates everything, guiding one to act justly.

The key is to apply these rules according to the situation and your own moral compass. In doing so, you can aspire to be the person you want to be—virtuous and happy within the society you live in.

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Exploring the Minsky Moment: Lessons from a Very Funny Coyote and Financial Instability

In the middle of a desert, a somewhat foolish coyote chases after a remarkably cunning bird, their pursuit escalating to breakneck speeds.

Then, abruptly, the bird halts at the edge of a precipice. Yet, the coyote, driven by instinct, continues its sprint heedlessly until it comprehends the futility of its strides – it finds itself suspended in mid-air.

This iconic scene is not merely the antics of Bee Beep and the coyote; it encapsulates a profound economic theory: the hypothesis of financial instability.

Hyman Minsky posited that within every period of economic prosperity lies the seeds of a future crisis. How so? The explanation is deceptively simple. During times of prosperity, economic agents — be they households, businesses, or the state — act with optimism. They borrow funds to fuel projects, investments, and expansion.

Amidst this optimistic climate, investors embrace higher risks; banks extend credit more liberally, often overlooking the perils of repayment. Minsky termed this phenomenon the “paradox of tranquility.”

However, as the economy becomes increasingly dependent on credit, ominous signs emerge: unemployment rises, economic growth falters, incomes shrink, and repayment becomes arduous. Yet, economic actors persist in their illusion of stability, akin to the hapless coyote suspended in mid-air.

A mere whisper of adversity can catalyze the “Minsky moment”: a sudden awakening to the perils of excess. Panic ensues as the realization dawns that risks are untenable, debts are insurmountable, and credit dries up.

The result? A systemic crisis: the coyote, too preoccupied to grasp its impending fall, plunges into the abyss. Such is the saga of financial instability in the real world.

Now, reflect for a moment: have you ever experienced a Minsky moment in your life?

As we ponder the parallels between the whimsical pursuits of cartoon characters and the sobering realities of economic theory, let us heed the lessons embedded within. Let us strive for prudence, resilience, and foresight in navigating the tumultuous landscapes of finance and life.

In a world where folly and wisdom often converge, let us endeavor to discern the difference and chart a course toward sustainable prosperity.

Are you prepared for your Minsky moment? Embrace the challenge, for within it lies the opportunity for growth, resilience, and renewal.

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Bee Beep or the Paradox of Tranquillity

In the middle of the desert, a somewhat stupid coyote runs after a very clever bird. The two animals go at high speed.

Suddenly, the bird stops in front of a precipice. The coyote, on the other hand, continues to run without looking until it realizes it is running in the air.

This scene is a classic of Bee Beep and the coyote.

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But it is also the perfect illustration of a very serious economic theory: the hypothesis of financial instability.

According to Hyman Minsky, all periods of economic prosperity contain the elements of a future crisis. Like what? It is simple. When all goes well, economic agents (households, businesses, the State) are trustful and borrow money to carry out projects, invest, and develop activities.

In this good environment, investors risk more; banks lend money more easily, without paying too much attention to the danger of not being repaid. Minsky calls this the “paradox of tranquillity”.

However, at some point, the whole economy lives on credit. It then happens that other, more worrying phenomena arise: unemployment, slowdown in activities, lower income, and difficulty in repaying. Despite this, economic agents continue to behave as if nothing had happened. Just like when the poor coyote runs in the air!

Some bad news are enough to trigger the “Minsky moment“: everyone wakes up suddenly and gets scared. We realize that risks can no longer be taken, loans cannot be repaid, and banks stop lending money.

It is the general crisis: the coyote is too busy to realize it is about to fall on deaf ears. And it is too late to avoid to fall. The same happens in the real world.

And what about you, has it ever happen to you to live a Minsky moment?

Di شہاب – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44752971

Senbazuru: How 1000 Origami Cranes Can Let Happiness Unfold

Folding 1000 origami cranes is believed to bring good fortune. Today, this ancient Japanese practice has spread around the world, embodying faith, hope and peace. 

According to an ancient Japanese belief, folding 1000 paper cranes can bring good fortune in your life. According to the legend, the crane may live for a thousand years; each paper crane represents one year in the majestic bird’s life. After you complete 1000 origami cranes, your wish will become truth. The 1000 origami cranes suspended in the air are often made by groups of people who join forces to achieve this goal. This tradition often supports a good cause or a special occasion like a marriage. The latter is popular with the Japanese American community, which assigns meanings to different colours: red is love, white is purity, gold is wealth, green is health, yellow is creativity, blue is loyalty, and purple is spirituality.

The custom has spread all over the world thanks to Sadako Sasaki, who was just two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She developed leukaemia and, inspired by the senbazuru story, began folding cranes – first for her health, then, when she realised that she would not survive, for world peace. She made 644 origami, and her family and classmates completed the task and folded the missing cranes in her honour. To remember Sadako and the other children victims of the nuclear bomb, the Children’s Peace Monument has been built within the Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. Around 10 million paper cranes are sent to the monument from all around the world every year – proof of how Sadako’s message of peace has widely flown, and an example of how one person can make a difference.

Enjoy a Moment of Paper-folding

The beauty of origami is not only a practice. Ultimately, you will make something personal that you can give to someone you care about. Moreover, not only you can share the physical gift of origami, but also you can use the making process to think of your beloved ones.

What do you think about it? Would you try it?