Comparing the two songs, "Soak Up the Sun" and
"The Best Things in Life Are Free." provoke feelings of justification
for me. Basically, its how I live my
life, enjoy the simple stuff! "It's not having what you want, It's wanting
what you've got, " really sums it up for me. Aristotle speaks about simple pleasures in
"Nicomachean Ethics" saying that "a life of money making is one
undertaken under compulsion, and wealth is evidently not the good we are seeking:
for it is merely useful...." Just at the lyrics in "The Best Things
In Life Are Free," the moon and stars belong to all of us, we can all
enjoy them and there is no cost. In both
songs, the lyricist describe how they enjoy life. Soaking up the sun or enjoying the
flowers. Aristotle points begs the question
"what do we mean by the good?" Its seems that this is the beckoning
question...what is the good? Does it lie in material possessions? or in the
simple things in life?
REAL happiness is self sufficient! "Happiness depends
on ourselves." It does not come from money, pleasure or fame. It is what you must require of yourself. Having money or goods is more desirable,
though not the root of one's happiness.
Happiness is because of virtue, not material possessions. Most people think or believe the addition of
goods makes them happy. Aristotle argues
against this point basically saying the virtues of honor, wisdom create
happiness. Virtues are not bought with
money or fame as these ideals are for the sake of something else. Happiness is
fundamental and a foundation for one to enjoy tangible goods in this
life.
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