Character Quote by J.P. Moreland
““Here we must examine the classical understanding of happiness proclaimed by Moses, Solomon, Jesus, Aristotle, Plato, the church fathers and medieval theologians, and many more—the understanding that has recently been replaced by “pleasurable satisfaction.” According to the ancients, happiness is a life well lived, a life of virtue and character, a life that manifests wisdom, kindness, and goodness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Christian Worldview, 2012
Ancient thinkers defined happiness as a virtuous, wise life, not merely pleasure; modern views often reduce it to satisfaction.
In simple terms: Happiness is virtue and wisdom, not just pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue and wisdom for true happiness.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
spirituality
well‑being
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- education
- community service
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
eudaimonia
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues do you practice daily?
- How does wisdom shape your happiness?
A Different Perspective
Pleasure‑focused culture can distract from deeper fulfillment.
![“[Naaman] dipped himself," it says, "seven times in Jordan." It was not for nothing that Naaman of old, when suffering from leprosy, was purified upon his being baptized, but as an indication to us. For as we are lepers in sin, we are made clean by means of the sacred water and the invocation of…” quote by Irenaeus of Lyons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9eb/irenaeus-of-lyons-18423_babe_naaman-dipped-himself-it-says-seven-time_627335.jpg)
![“The Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism even to infants. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of the divine sacraments, knew there are in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit” quote by Origen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb8/origen-12126_apostles_the-church-received-from-the-apostles-th_199967.jpg)
