more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 139

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / h. Fine deeds ]

Full Idea

A good person is bound to do whatever he does well and successfully, and success brings fulfilment and happiness.

Clarification

'Happiness' is the Greek word 'eudaimonia', also sometimes translated as 'flourishing'

Gist of Idea

A good person is bound to act well, and this brings happiness

Source

Plato (Gorgias [c.387 BCE], 507c)

Book Ref

Plato: 'Gorgias', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP World's Classics 1994], p.105


A Reaction

Not how we would see it, I guess, but this is the Greek idea that a good person is one who functions well. Anyone who functions well is probably having a good time.


The 10 ideas with the same theme [actions which are intrinsically admirable]:

Things are both good and fine by the same standard [Socrates, by Xenophon]
Niceratus learnt the whole of Homer by heart, as a guide to goodness [Xenophon]
A good person is bound to act well, and this brings happiness [Plato]
Oxen, horses and children cannot be happy, because they cannot perform fine deeds [Aristotle]
Good people enjoy virtuous action, just as musicians enjoy beautiful melodies [Aristotle]
Slaves can't be happy, because they lack freedom [Aristotle]
Fine things are worthless if they give no pleasure [Epicurus]
Stoicism was an elitist option to lead a beautiful life [Stoic school, by Foucault]
We get enormous pleasure from tales of noble actions [Nietzsche]
Why couldn't a person's life become a work of art? [Foucault]