What Truly Makes Us Happy? Exploring the Secrets of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness
The Nature of Happiness: Pleasure vs. Fulfillment
Happiness—what does it really mean? Is it the joy of eating your favorite dessert or the deep sense of purpose that comes from helping others?
Philosophers and researchers have debated this for centuries, and two main perspectives have emerged: hedonic happiness (pleasure) and eudaimonic happiness (fulfillment). Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for everyday life.
Hedonic Happiness: The Joy of the Moment
Hedonic happiness is all about pleasure, fun, and feeling good in the moment. It’s the thrill of a roller coaster ride, the satisfaction of a delicious meal, or the joy of a lazy Sunday. The goal? Maximize pleasure, minimize discomfort.
What Makes It Hedonic?
- It’s short-lived: That amazing vacation? Feels great while it lasts, but the feeling fades once you’re back to routine.
- Depends on external factors: A great night out can be ruined by bad weather or a sudden argument.
- You don’t have to work for it: Watching a movie, eating ice cream, or getting a compliment—these things bring instant joy without much effort.
Examples of Hedonic Happiness:
- Laughing at a comedy show
- Relaxing on a beach
- Enjoying your favorite meal
If we only chase pleasure, we might find ourselves stuck in what psychologists call the “hedonic treadmill”—constantly needing bigger and better experiences to stay happy. That’s where eudaimonic happiness comes in.
Eudaimonic Happiness: The Deep Satisfaction of a Meaningful Life
Eudaimonia is happiness that comes from purpose, growth, and living in alignment with your values. This type of happiness isn’t about quick thrills—it’s about long-term fulfillment.
What Defines Eudaimonic Happiness?
- It’s deeper and lasts longer: Unlike a temporary high, fulfillment from meaningful work or relationships sticks around.
- It requires effort: You don’t just stumble upon eudaimonia—you create it through personal growth, hard work, and living with purpose.
- It’s not about external rewards: True fulfillment comes from within, like feeling proud of your hard work or knowing you made a difference.
How Can You Achieve Eudaimonia?
Find Your Purpose – What makes you feel alive? What impact do you want to have on the world?
Develop Your Skills – Whether it’s excelling at your job, honing a talent, or learning something new, growth leads to fulfillment.
Engage in Meaningful Activities – Spend time doing things that align with your values, like volunteering, creating, or mentoring.
Be True to Yourself – Happiness grows when you live authentically rather than chasing approval from others.
Examples of Eudaimonic Happiness:
- A doctor committed to improving lives through patient care
- A philosopher always seeking deeper understanding
Finding the Right Balance: Pleasure + Purpose = A Happy Life
The key isn’t choosing one type of happiness over the other—it’s finding balance.
Enjoy the moment—watch that movie, eat that cake, laugh with friends. But also invest in
long-term fulfillment—pursue your goals, cultivate meaningful relationships, and contribute to something bigger than yourself.
What Science Says
- Studies show that people who engage in meaningful activities, like volunteering, report higher levels of fulfillment and overall life satisfaction.
- Research also finds that relying only on pleasure-seeking can lead to a hedonic treadmill, where you constantly need more stimulation to feel happy.
A Happy Life is a Balanced Life
Happiness isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s also about building a life that feels meaningful in the long run.
By combining hedonia (pleasure) and eudaimonia (fulfillment), you can create a truly rich and joyful life.
