Happy monday dear Hiveans :)
I was thinking about the individual and society and thought that in an era dominated by the self-improvement industry, Aristotle's philosophy of virtue ethics offers a refreshing and profound perspective. Virtue ethics, rooted in Aristotle’s timeless works such as "Nicomachean Ethics," posits that true fulfillment comes from cultivating virtues within oneself—the characteristics and habits that make us who we are. This ethos stands in stark contrast to the often superficial and outcome-focused self-help culture that permeates modern society.
The modern self-improvement industry bombards us with quick-fix solutions, goal-setting guides, and motivational speeches that promise transformative results. Yet, Aristotle’s view on authenticity suggests a more nuanced approach to personal growth. True virtue, as he saw it, is not merely about achieving external success but about becoming the best version of oneself through a lifelong journey of self-discovery and introspection. This means questioning the shallow rhetoric of "personal brand optimization" and "life hacks," and instead focusing on developing qualities like wisdom, courage, and temperance - lived philosophy if you like :D
The art of living well, according to Aristotle, is intimately tied to the cultivation of these virtues within a community. It emphasizes relationships and social bonds as essential components of an ethical life. This relational and communal aspect of virtue ethics stands in direct opposition to many self-help paradigms that often isolate individuals from broader social contexts. By prioritizing individualism and competition, some self-improvement doctrines risk isolating people from the very communities that could enhance their virtuous journeys, emphasizing solitude over unity. I especially think that Hive in general, but Freewriters in particular are those communities, even if they are online and we do not face each other. Nevertheless we are sharing, improving, listening and evolving together.
In an age where instant gratification is the norm, Aristotle’s concept of habit and practice challenges us to engage in consistent, long-term cultivation of virtue. The process of achieving eudaimonia—true happiness or flourishing—demands patience, discipline, and a deep sense of inner reflection. This stands against the backdrop of modern self-help, where instant results and viral fads often overshadow the slower, more introspective path needed for genuine transformation.
Reflecting on Aristotle’s wisdom in this context asks us to reexamine our relationship with the self-improvement industry. It urges us to discard the superficiality of 'quick fixes' and instead embrace a deeper, more authentic journey of self-discovery and virtue cultivation. This reflection is not merely an academic exercise but calls for a fundamental shift in how we approach personal growth, urging towards a richer understanding of true authenticity and fulfillment. That being said - listen to your inner voice, break out of herd mentality and trust in yourself :)
Thank you again very much for your time and reading, catch you in the next!
Image Credit: stable diffusion
a-fvckin-men, brotha. 🙌
didn't need to read much beyond the first paragraph to agree here. lol. oh man, the self-help cult. what a fascinating phenomena of capitalistic perversion enticing people into the hamster-wheel of "constant and never-ending improvement." so much to say. (perhaps this is another ping on the book idea I started 18 years ago). you do well to frame some of it succinctly as you have here.
veering to an aside... if you're ever spend any time on Instagram, I highly recommend following Healing From Healing - one of the most brilliant, hilarious accounts that shines light on much of the self-help & spiritual pop trend madnesses. quality entertainment, with some great philosophical threads weaved in that somewhat resonate with parts of the themes you graze on here.
Yes let it resonate maybe you should revive and strengthen your book ideas.
I think times are kinda desperate right now for them and a change from within. I don't see unification through an external force, but weather from exploring our mutual inner source. All these self improments ( or at least most ) equal like a donkey following a carrot. Its distraction, its illusion or if you are familiar with ancient Indian philosophy: Maya, the great illusion we are striving to, like moths attracted to light. Only if you lead your eyes inward you can free yourself! Albeit that sounded a bit dramatic haha
Always a pleasure having a chat with you!
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