Eudaimonia and the Path to Human Flourishing
In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the central theme of eudaimonia—human flourishing—forms the foundation of his philosophical inquiries. The question of how to achieve eudaimonia is timeless, and it has resonated with me as I reflect on my experiences in both rural and urban environments. Drawing from my time in Zambia and my current life in Philadelphia, I can see distinct contrasts between these two worlds and their approaches to community and well-being.
A Glimpse of Eudaimonia in Rural Zambia
During my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, I lived in Mpanta Village in the Luapula province, alongside the Bemba tribe. The village was surrounded by the beautiful Lake Bangweulu, and I worked as a rural aquaculture promotion specialist, helping locals with fish farming.
What stood out most was how community life in the village seemed to embody eudaimonia. The people lived together in close-knit relationships, sharing resources, land, and responsibilities. If one person fell on hard times, the tribe would rally around them. There was no homelessness—everyone was cared for within the hierarchy of God, tribe, and land.
At the heart of the village was the church, where people gathered weekly to listen to the stories of Jesus, striving to better themselves spiritually. This shared commitment to a higher ideal bound the community together, fostering a sense of unity and flourishing. It was a living example of what Aristotle described: striving for the highest good.
Atomization in Modern Cities
In stark contrast, the modern city—like Philadelphia—often atomizes individuals, separating them from their communities. Skyscrapers like the Comcast Center symbolize how we live and work stacked on top of one another, yet remain isolated. The bureaucratic structures in office life, combined with the disconnected nature of urban living, create a sense of detachment. We don’t know our neighbors; we are boxed into cubicles or apartments with limited meaningful interaction.
As I walk through Market Street, it’s hard not to notice the homelessness and poverty that plague the city. This disconnect from community and purpose may be contributing to the struggles many face. The more we rely on technology like smartphones, the more we seem to retreat into isolation.
The Role of Technology in Human Flourishing
Our increasing reliance on technology has distanced us from true flourishing. While conveniences like social media and work-from-home arrangements make life easier, they also reduce the depth of our human connections. In Zambia, I had to physically work for essentials—fetching water, preparing food, and building shelter. That manual labor tied me to the land and community in a way that modern technology can’t replicate.
Technology has its benefits, but I believe its overuse has atomized us.
Finding Eudaimonia in Community
In both rural villages and modern cities, human flourishing is ultimately tied to our relationships with others. Aristotle emphasized the importance of friendship, stating that in a true friend, we find a reflection of ourselves. The Christian principle of “treating thy neighbor as thyself” parallels this, encouraging us to build meaningful, supportive communities.
While it’s possible to achieve flourishing in solitude, it is much harder without the support of a community that shares common values. The death of God, as Nietzsche famously quoted, might be contributing to the societal challenges we see today—poverty, homelessness, and a lack of purpose.
Conclusion: Striving for the Highest Good
Ultimately, eudaimonia requires striving for the highest good—individually and collectively. My time in Zambia provided a glimpse of what true community flourishing can look like, and it has left me with questions about how we can bring more of that spirit into modern city life. The challenge is real, but the potential for human flourishing remains if we reconnect with our communities and set our sights on the greater good.