Human Flourishing Defined

In Aristotle’s ethics, the term often used to describe human flourishing is “eudaimonia,” which was considered the highest human good in Greek tradition.  Eudaimonia can be translated as fulfilling one’s potential and living a life of virtue.

Within a Christian context, the fulfillment of our human potential is the accomplishment of God’s will in our lives, which we understand to be our vocation.  And through growth in virtue and character, we are better able to discern God’s will and more effectively serve others in the living out of their vocations.

And how does knowledge enable human flourishing?

Deeper knowledge of God, ourselves, and others allows us to better understand and embrace our vocation, and to serve God and others fruitfully by faithfully living out that vocation.

LK 8:15 “But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”