Happiness and the Meaning of Life Put to the Test by the Contem- porary World

Abstract

This article aims to demonstrate that the question of happiness remains a fundamental concern
of philosophy and human existence. Since antiquity, philosophers have sought to understand its
nature, its relationship to the meaning of life, and the means of attaining it. Navigating the
labyrinth of happiness, the article explores the meaning of existence, self-mastery, and spiritu-
ality. For Socrates and Aristotle, happiness is grounded in virtue, reason, and the fulfillment of
human nature, whereas Epicurus defines it as the absence of pain and mental disturbance. Sto-
icism, for its part, emphasizes self-mastery, the acceptance of what lies within our control, and
the pursuit of inner serenity. Confucius and Lao Tzu focus on the path to happiness, harmony,
and the necessity of living in the present moment. Nietzsche views happiness as the feeling of
increased strength and the overcoming of resistance. The article also addresses the issue of pain,
showing that it is not necessarily the absolute opposite of happiness but can play a role in the
transformation and shaping of one’s existence. Finally, in contemporary times, social changes
and technological advances have profoundly altered our conception of happiness, which is now
often linked to consumption, success, fame, and performance. The article thus demonstrates
that happiness alone cannot constitute the foundation of life’s meaning; that meaning also rests
on freedom, responsibility, knowledge, spirituality, and our relationships with others.