Irrational Happiness

Michael Alan Reuben

Animals and humanity. According to Aristotle's Ethics there are few differences between these two groups. Both are alive, and are dictated by biological laws. Plants also fall into this category. Aristotle never fails to acknowledge even these small aspects of existence. Aristotle also acknowledges that even cattle and horses live a sentient life, as do humans.[1] The great thinker finally observes a distinction between these two classes when he recognizes human's ability for reason.

Aristotle examines man's ability to reason identifies that as the function of man. Looking back, Aristotle argued that in order to be considered 'good' at something one must perform the function assigned to them well. Aristotle uses the example that there is the flutist, who plays the flute, and the good flutist, who plays the flute (the function of the actor) well. Continuing this idea further, Aristotle links this idea to the general idea of human, human's function, and how human becomes a 'good person.' He accomplishes this by saying that since rationality is the function of man, and that rationalizing well is to be virtuous, one must be virtuous to be good, and therefore one must be virtuous and rational to be good and happy.

However many times in life we are charged to act outside of that which seems rational. If we accept that reason is used in order to preserve the species and the self, love, religion, and art are all examples of the human experience that are irrational. However, people commonly believe that these three experiences are crucial to human happiness, though outside of the scope of reason.

Marylyn French simply exclaimed, "Love is insanity!" [2] This America critic is most certainly talking about the ancient idea of true love. For one person to be willing to devote their lives to someone else, even if that love is unrequited, is ridiculous. In instances of true love, which at times can be merely one-sided, one person believes that life without the other is nearly uninhabitable. This simple idea is obvious beyond reason. Beyond the idea of procreation and during infancy, no human being is dependent upon another. Humans are independent beings that can survive on their own. However this idea of necessity of others extends beyond basic biological functions. For those in love not only is the presence of the object of their affection incredibly important, but also simply the knowledge that the other person exists, and hopes that the other person feels similarly in love is incredibly important. This is beyond logic and beyond reason. However, love is a foundation of happiness, both externally and internally. Externally, love is the expression of happiness to others. Internally, love creates a sense of happiness in the individual.

Religion is a similar irrational part of the happy life. To look at religion, specifically Catholic Christianity, with a logical perspective, one is amazed at its rational shortcomings. Beginning with basic traditions of the church, one can find such occasions. The notion that during the Eucharist, bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ, a man that lived thousands of years before us, is incomprehensible using basic logic. Even the teachings of Jesus Christ at times call us to be irrational. The only outlet conceded to the concept of love as rational is for the continuation of the species, according to Darwin a selfish act, such that if one were to die some part of that person would continue through genetics. Jesus Christ charges humanity to take a completely different stand on individual life by proclaiming, "greater love knows no one than this, he that shall lay down his life for his brother."[3] Again, to look at this quote from a biological standpoint, especially in the context of the rest of Jesus' teachings, one can become incredibly confused. Why would a rational human being be willing to offer his own life so that another human being may live? This seems to be an impossible question. Rationally we are taught to ensure our own lives and then protect those around us, however these words tell us to merely lay down our lives. It's crazy! Nevertheless happiness is truly dependent on some sort of spirituality such as this, not necessarily Catholic Christianity, but some form of spirituality.

Another irrational concept that is crucial to happiness is art. Artistic expression fosters a sense of happiness in both the artist and the witness to the art. In spite of this, there is nothing practical or reasonable about art, in any form. This complicated act of expression fails to meet any rational function in life. In no way can it be seen that artistic expression is possible for the continuation of the species or the self, which are the only two ends viable for the rational actor. However both aspects of artistic expression produce happiness in the individual. Whether through the cathartic release of emotions by the artist, or just witnessing such a work, happiness can be an end of art.

Through this examination we must reconsider at least on of two principles. The first principle that has been found to be questionable is Aristotle's belief that happiness arrives from a strict adherence to rationality. The other statement that needs a deeper examination is the idea that reason can only be used in order for the growth of the species or the self.

[1] Aristotle Ethics (Penguin, London, 1976) 75

[2] Marylyn French, "Quote." Bartelby's Famous Quotations Bartelby.com, (20 October 2003)

[3] Gospel of Luke, Chapter 15, Verse 13