“We have to seek and find what is true, good and beautiful.”
Alexandra Stoddard
When you think of living the “good life” what comes to mind? What I might consider may be completely different from what you consider good. However, I think we can all be influenced by the wisdom of the ancient philosophers.
Aristotle taught that the good life was composed of three things: truth, goodness and beauty. He believed that living a life of “moral excellence” would lead to happiness. However, he was honest to admit that doing so was not always easy.
Alexander Stoddard points out that often “we expect too little of ourselves.” She encourages us not to “just get by, but to choose to thrive.”
Using Aristotle as our guide striving to be truthful with others and ourselves, choosing goodness in what we do, and appreciating the beauty even in the mundane can contribute to a better life.
Our modern day culture can make happiness complicated and elusive. Keeping up with the Jones can be a never ending quest that leaves us feeling unfulfilled.
In her travels as a young woman Stoddard came across a missionary couple in India who made the choice to live the good life.
“When we have our favorite books, fresh flowers, meaningful work, and the companionship of each other, this is all we need to be happy.”
What beautiful words to live by. What can you do to include more truth, goodness and beauty in your life?
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