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Essay / Essay by Aristotine and Agustin - 1418
Throughout the readings of Aristotle and Augustine, each philosopher has represented his point of view on the nature of happiness and his means to achieve this happiness in this life. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who spent most of his life teaching, studying, and writing, known for laying the majority of the foundations of Western philosophy alongside Plato ("Aristotle's Ethics"). Additionally, he addressed areas focused primarily on biology, physics, morality, and politics, described in detail in his numerous philosophical treatises. Augustine, usually referred to as Augustine of Hippo, wrote many works that were also revolutionary for the development of Western philosophy ("Saint Augustine"). His main focus was on the teachings of God as well as inspiring individuals to find peace with God, because to achieve happiness he believed that finding peace with God was the first step. Traditionally, humans believe that happiness is achieved by fulfilling human nature and accomplishing a specific task or goal. Both Aristotle and Augustine defined this happiness and state of flourishing in similar but distinct ways. Aristotle and Augustine each developed different views on the nature of happiness and the path to achieving it; however, the best human life and greatest flourishing of happiness are achieved through Augustine's approach to human flourishing. In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, he clearly indicated a well-defined direction in order to reach our true nature towards which we seek happiness. For Aristotle, to be human means to be a rational animal who thrives on reason to achieve the highest human good. To achieve happiness, you have to read in the middle of a paper......duals, happiness is obtained in various ways, whether it is passing an exam, finding love or avenge, but as a Christian, happiness is fully obtained by giving oneself to God. Augustine explained how we must avoid evil in this life in order to be fully restored with God in the next life. As humans, we should never harm others or ourselves and should continually act in ways that we know will benefit others, ourselves, and society. We must never give in to evil, and although we may be tempted, God is there to help us through everything. Not everyone can avoid the evils in this world, but we can be forgiven, and God will forgive everyone who proves they deserve His forgiveness and tries to improve themselves as individuals. Ultimately, we must look beyond this life to successfully achieve the highest good and live a happy life with God..