It’s sometimes hard to know what’s right. We struggle with difficult choices everyday. The world’s wisdom traditions provide insights into how we can find happiness by leading a good life. Ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato, said that happiness is the fruit of ‘a life well lived’, attained through cultivating the virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation and justice. Religions also offer guidelines. Hinduism emphasizes the role of moral action in pursing a good life. Buddhism teaches that we can empower ourselves to overcome life’s suffering through following the Eightfold Path.
Taoism highlights the value of walking the Middle Path, between extremes, in order to achieve harmony and balance. Christians and Moslems alike emphasize love and kindness. Behind these diverse ideas on how to flourish, lies a simple universal truth. Real wellbeing is not achieved through a hedonistic pursuit of wealth, fame or power – the outer things which can be lost in an instant. Rather, we are encouraged to look within, awaken our inner powers of compassion, wisdom and love, and make a conscious choice to follow the highest good we know.
