Explaining the new name of my blog - Eudaimonia

I've been thinking about changing the name of my blog for a while, as I would like it to be about something more important than myself (the previous name was Gabi Werner).

Reading a book, I came across the concept of Eudaimonia; found it clear, touching and revealing; and immediately headed to the library in order to explore it's original source - The Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle. Check what it's all about:

Eudaimonia is the WELL BEING that comes through the ACTIVITY in accordance with the excellence of the BEST PART OF US.

When I read the book, I was sure I had found what I was looking for. If you want to understand the idea a little further, explore the breakdown below and perhaps the original text by Aristotle.

Eudaimonia: this Greek word is used to refer to the life that is most desirable or satisfying. Therefore, it's the objective of each person, generally translated into English as "happiness" or "well being".

Eudaimonia is an end in itself: discussing who is the "happy man", Aristotle identifies 3 popular views of the nature of life. 1) Life is pleasure; 2) Life is honour; 3) Life is making money. But none of them are according to virtue, either because it doesn't consider its sources and impacts (1 & 3) or because it depends on an external recognition (2). Therefore, the happy life should be of a fourth nature, a contemplative life, an activity of the soul in according with virtue (both moral and intellectual).

Eudaimonia is not a state, but an activity: eudaimonia is not a state or a feeling of amusement (as the word happiness may imply). That's because it's not short-lived, it's not external to ourselves and it's dependent on how we do what we do (coherency).

Best part of us: it's our virtues, which differ us from other living beings. It comprises both moral and intellectual excellence, as well as both practical and theoretical wisdom. The consistent practice of these virtues is Eudaimonia.