What does it mean to fully actualize ourselves and achieve excellence in life? The ancient Greeks had a profound concept for this highest form of human flourishing: eudaimonia. In this Socratic Circle, we'll explore this and its relevance to the modern quest for self-actualization. Together, we'll investigate not just what it means to live well, but how to achieve the highest potential for a human in today's world.
Core Questions:
- What is eudaimonia?
- What distinguishes true flourishing (eudaimonia) from mere success or happiness?
- How do we recognize when we're living in accordance with our highest potential?
- What practices or approaches lead to genuine flourishing?
- What stands between you and your highest potential?
- When have you felt most aligned?
- How do we pursue excellence in an age of distraction?
- What does eudaimonia look like in today's world?
- How do we balance individual flourishing with collective well-being?
These questions are starting points - our conversation will develop organically as we engage in Socratic dialogue together. Everyone will be encouraged to participate and share their perspective as we explore what it means to live at our highest potential.
We'll begin with 15 minutes of coffee and socializing before starting our discussion.
Quote from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics:
"Happiness [eudaimonia] is an activity of the soul in accordance with excellence."
Suggested Reading:
- Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (Book 1)
- Maslow's "The Farther Reaches of Human Nature" (his later work on transcendence)
- Clare Graves' "The Never Ending Quest" and Spiral Dynamics (on evolving human consciousness and potential)
These readings aren't required but may enrich our dialogue about human flourishing and the journey toward self-actualization.
