We also do difficult things that bring short unhappiness, because we know not doing them will bring unhappiness in the long term. I know at least this is true for me.
I was at sea for long periods of time in my youth, in service to my country, working long hours under difficult conditions for me. I'm introverted and the only thing worse than living in a barracks with sixty men is living in a berthing compartment with sixty men that rolls and bounces with rough seas. But I knew once I got through it all, I would look back with satisfaction that I had done so for the sake of giving of myself to the nation that had given me much. Had I found a way to be discharged early, I would live with regret, so I endured the short term pain.
I sense Aristotle is subtly implying we may be slightly adverse, or resistant, to act in good health, home, honor, victory, pleasure and intellect for their own sake, but we overcome not acting on them because we are ultimately pursuing happiness.
short and sweet--thanks. It's an honor to read your stuff and it makes me happy, so ....
We also do difficult things that bring short unhappiness, because we know not doing them will bring unhappiness in the long term. I know at least this is true for me.
I was at sea for long periods of time in my youth, in service to my country, working long hours under difficult conditions for me. I'm introverted and the only thing worse than living in a barracks with sixty men is living in a berthing compartment with sixty men that rolls and bounces with rough seas. But I knew once I got through it all, I would look back with satisfaction that I had done so for the sake of giving of myself to the nation that had given me much. Had I found a way to be discharged early, I would live with regret, so I endured the short term pain.
I sense Aristotle is subtly implying we may be slightly adverse, or resistant, to act in good health, home, honor, victory, pleasure and intellect for their own sake, but we overcome not acting on them because we are ultimately pursuing happiness.