“Love and work are to people what water and sunshine are to plants.” – Jonathan Haidt
There is an ancient philosophical debate about the path to well-being and happiness: eudaimonia, a state of virtuous living, growth, and purpose, versus hedonia, the pursuit of pleasure and immediate gratification. The former has often been portrayed as superior, painted with the brush of virtue, while the latter has been deemed as less noble.
But is this moral perspective accurate or fair?
Recent research suggests that our understanding of happiness should not be so black-and-white. Happiness, it turns out, is multi-dimensional. It’s not about choosing between eudaimonia and hedonia but finding a healthy balance—perhaps the key to flourishing lies in pursuing both hedonic and eudaimonic motives simultaneously.
By embracing this duality, we allow ourselves the space to seek immediate pleasures without losing sight of our long-term values and aspirations. It’s about casting away moral judgements and recognising our individual leanings towards one or the other to help us strike the right balance.
As your financial advisors, we want to know what fulfilment and living a good life mean to you. This isn’t merely about figures and financial strategies; it’s about understanding your values, aspirations, and what truly brings you joy.
Is your pursuit of happiness more hedonic or eudaimonic? And are your actions and priorities in line with these tendencies, or is there more to your story?
Our role extends beyond helping you grow your wealth. We’re here to help you align your financial decisions with your multi-dimensional pursuit of happiness. We believe in creating a financial plan that not only achieves your financial objectives but also supports your journey towards a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
So, ask yourself: What does fulfillment and living a good life mean to you? Reflecting on this question can help you discern whether your actions and priorities are well-aligned with what you truly value. Together, we can craft a financial roadmap that caters to both your immediate gratifications and long-term goals, paving the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
We advise, you thrive.