Saturday, July 6, 2013

Mastery Trumps Money

The phrase, "the pursuit of happiness" is a mistranslation of the Greek "eudaimonia," which means "human flourishing." You get it through "arete," or excellence. And what is excellence? Mastery. Autonomy. Meaning. Purpose. Community.

But it's not money. After a certain point, money doesn't motivate at all.

To gain mastery, you have to have bravery, i.e., to keep trying when you fail. If you get knocked down, get up again. That means self-control, to be disciplined. You have to be prudent. And you have to be just.

These are not "religious" virtues. They are virtues for success in life,

Here are some definitions of them,

Prudence - ability to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time.

Justice - the perpetual and constant will of rendering to each one his right.

Temperance or Restraint - practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation; tempering the appetite.

Fortitude or Courage - forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear, uncertainty and intimidation.

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