Solon: 'Call no man happy until he is dead, but only lucky.'

Call no man happy until he is dead, but only lucky.

In his famous quote, Solon, the Greek statesman and lawmaker, challenges our conventional notion of happiness. He states, "Call no man happy until he is dead, but only lucky." At first glance, this quote may seem perplexing, even contradictory, but it carries a profound meaning that requires deeper contemplation.The straightforward interpretation of Solon's quote highlights the ephemeral nature of happiness. According to him, true happiness is not something that can be fully achieved or experienced during one's lifetime. It suggests that our perception of happiness is limited and transient, subject to the ever-changing circumstances of life. Solon implies that we can only judge someone's happiness in retrospect, once their journey has come to an end.This raises an intriguing question: what is the difference between being happy and being lucky? While happiness is often seen as a state of mind, luck is believed to be a random occurrence, a stroke of fortune that can bring joy or sadness. By distinguishing between these two concepts, Solon suggests that happiness is a more profound and holistic state, encompassing not only the fortunate events that occur to an individual but also their overall contentment and fulfillment in life.To delve deeper into the meaning of the quote and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept, let us consider the ideas of Aristotle, one of the most influential thinkers of ancient Greece. Aristotle proposed a philosophy of happiness known as eudaimonia, which goes beyond fleeting pleasures and momentary luck. Eudaimonia can be understood as a state of flourishing achieved through the cultivation of virtue and the realization of one's true potential. It is not dependent on external circumstances or random luck but arises from the choices and actions of the individual.In contrast to Solon's perspective, Aristotle teaches us that true happiness is not elusive or unattainable. It can be pursued and achieved by living a virtuous life, developing one's character, and engaging in meaningful activities that align with one's unique nature. Eudaimonia, as Aristotle argues, is the ultimate goal of human existence.Considering Solon's quote through the lens of eudaimonia, we may find a harmonious synthesis between the two seemingly opposing ideas. Solon's emphasis on luck acknowledges the role that external factors play in shaping our lives and the element of chance we encounter along our paths. Meanwhile, the pursuit of eudaimonia reminds us that genuine happiness is not contingent upon luck alone but requires a personal commitment to cultivating a fulfilling and virtuous way of being.In this light, calling no man happy until he is dead becomes less about a bleak outlook on the transience of happiness, and more about acknowledging that the full realization of eudaimonia can only be assessed retrospectively. It invites us to see happiness as a lifelong journey, influenced by both luck and personal agency, with its true fruition unfolding over time.In conclusion, Solon's quote challenges us to reconsider our understanding of happiness and invites us to explore a more profound and lasting form of fulfillment. By calling no man happy until he is dead, Solon urges us to recognize the impermanence of happiness and look beyond short-lived moments of luck. However, when seen through the lens of eudaimonia, a philosophy that emphasizes the pursuit of overall well-being and personal growth, we find that true happiness is not merely a matter of luck but rather a result of conscious choices and virtuous living. So, let us reevaluate our concept of happiness, embracing both luck and personal agency on our journey towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.