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You've known addicts who were happy ? What's your definition of happiness? Most addicts I know off, are extremely miserable. I don't know many, just a few, but

by atmosx 8y ago

You've known addicts who were happy ? What's your definition of happiness? Most addicts I know off, are extremely miserable. I don't know many, just a few, but none of them look even remotely happy to me. They were well aware of their situation and the repugnant feeling that their presence caused to others. They can/could barely stand themselves.

deleted 8y ago
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DubiousPusher 8y ago
I think you may be confusing addicts with the popular notion of a "junky". But yes, I've known alcoholics, pot heads, pill poppers and a few dope fiends who lead productive fullfilled lives, seem extraordinarily content and actively contribute back to their communities. If those aren't signs of happiness, I don't know what are. Of course I've known many more for whom addiction has been a total disaster. So I'm not recommending it or anything but I don't think it should be a disqualifier for considering one "happy". And yes when I say "happiness" I mean something beyond momentary satisfaction. This just strikes me as more of the same old school dudes conflating control or self discipline with virtue and conflating virtue with happiness (not that they have nothing to do with each other but I'm not sure they're the same things.)
- keiferski 8y ago
  You are projecting a modern definition of “happiness” onto Aristotle. Think of it instead as “thriving” or “reaching your potential in all aspects of your life.”
  - DubiousPusher 8y ago
    Uh, yes. Cause the premise of this article was why we as modern people we should appreciate Aristotle's reflections on happiness, not why I should appreciate the meticulous perfection of the internal logic of his world view. In my opinion, either Aristotle should've broadened his view of "virtue" or "happiness" to not worry so much about personal weakness or vice. Or his notion of these aren't really worth taking up as a modern measure against one's life.

by atmosx 8y ago

deleted 8y ago

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DubiousPusher 8y ago

I think you may be confusing addicts with the popular notion of a "junky". But yes, I've known alcoholics, pot heads, pill poppers and a few dope fiends who lead productive fullfilled lives, seem extraordinarily content and actively contribute back to their communities. If those aren't signs of happiness, I don't know what are. Of course I've known many more for whom addiction has been a total disaster. So I'm not recommending it or anything but I don't think it should be a disqualifier for considering one "happy". And yes when I say "happiness" I mean something beyond momentary satisfaction. This just strikes me as more of the same old school dudes conflating control or self discipline with virtue and conflating virtue with happiness (not that they have nothing to do with each other but I'm not sure they're the same things.)

keiferski 8y ago
You are projecting a modern definition of “happiness” onto Aristotle. Think of it instead as “thriving” or “reaching your potential in all aspects of your life.”
- DubiousPusher 8y ago
  Uh, yes. Cause the premise of this article was why we as modern people we should appreciate Aristotle's reflections on happiness, not why I should appreciate the meticulous perfection of the internal logic of his world view. In my opinion, either Aristotle should've broadened his view of "virtue" or "happiness" to not worry so much about personal weakness or vice. Or his notion of these aren't really worth taking up as a modern measure against one's life.