Extract
[...] Rousseau illustrates in a moving, overwhelming way a deep interconnection in which he finds happiness, well-being to which he aspires. However, Rousseau, like the philosophers since Plato, does not deny the social nature proper to human beings who are each linked to a community. This means that man cannot be sufficient to himself in his quest for happiness, whose individual aspect is inseparable from collective well-being. If happiness implies being happy on a personal and social level, limits must be established to avoid any exclusion. [...]
[...] Finally, before concluding, we will focus on the possible association of the collective and individual dimensions and its limits to help us understand the initial question. I. The collective aspect of the quest for happiness in Man Prior to this, the quest for happiness resulting from social dependence is found in the philosophy of Aristotle. This last one sees in the friend, "another self1, an alter ego whose essential function is to fill the gaps in our existence. It is not a question of an egocentric ethic, but of considering friendship, the true one, as a virtue, that is to say, that of recognizing true friends through understanding the other at the deepest level of oneself in order to surround oneself with benevolent people. [...]
[...] The question of happiness continues to animate philosophical thought to this day. Before proceeding, it is necessary to define the terms of the question posed regarding the possibility of being happy only collectively, here, with the use of « ne?that, negation restrictive. The « happiness, variant from one person to another, represents far more than a simple joy or pleasure. It is a state of absolute and lasting satisfaction, synonymous with the fulfillment of our most essential aspirations. It is the ultimate quest of our existence and, a fortiori, guides our actions. [...]
[...] Being happy does not only depend on virtue, society, the individual, or morality. Despite the importance of social interactions in life, happiness is also simultaneously inspired by our state of mind in order to give a deep meaning to our experiences, our actions. Thus, the thoughts of Aristotle, Hume, Rousseau, and Kant intertwine and complement each other. Finally, the fact of sharing our happiness with others allows us to preserve it deep within ourselves while being reassured. [...]
[...] Aristotle and David Hume consider the existence of true happiness within the relationship of man with society. It remains however more virtuous and selective in Aristotle and more associated with pleasure, desire in Hume. However, other philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau do not see solitude as a barrier to the well-being of man. II. The ability of Man to suffice to himself in his search for happiness Next, according to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, happiness is solitude. It is an inner happiness, more discreet than the happiness derived from the community. [...]
