Psychologists have found it useful to distinguish between a hedonic and an eudaimonic states of happiness. A hedonic state is a transitory state of pleasure, while a eudaimonic state is one associated with ongoing wellbeing, engagement and contentment. Eudaimonia is based on Aristotle’s notion of the ‘good life’.
Sociologist Corey Keyes (2002) argues that wellbeing is more than just the absence of persistent negative emotions. His concept of ‘flourishers’ describes people who have high life satisfaction and/or enduring positive mood plus at least six of the following eudaimonic qualities:
Contributing to society
Social integration
Wide range of social groups
Accepting others
Self-acceptance
Mastery over their environment
Positive relationships with others
Autonomy
Personal growth
Purpose in life
Some people can go their whole lives and never really live for a single minute.
