Ancient Greek philosophers were concerned about living well. If we are to live well, what should we aim for? Maybe we should aim for what is good. If we aim for what is good, why not aim for the highest good. So far so good. We all can agree on that.

But what is the highest good? That was not an easy question. Not every philosopher agreed on what the highest good was. For example, Epicurus declared that pleasure was the highest good. The Stoics disageed. They said virtue was the highest good.

For the Stoics, virtue is excellence of character. It means living wisely, courageously, moderately, and justly. One who cultivates these excellences is by definition happy. Their life is well-lived.

Some philosophers, such as Epicurus, argued that a virtuous life led to a happy life. Again the Stoics disagreed. They said a life of virtue does not lead to a life of happiness – a life of virtue is a life of happiness. Viewed this way, the highest good in life is a life of virtue because there is nothing above it – not even happiness. So in Stoic thinking virtue is not different from happiness because virtue is the highest good.

What does this mean in practice?

It means a meaningful, well-lived life cannot be subordinate to pleasure or happiness. Since happiness and pleasure are not the highest goods,  we should spend our lives cultivating character. When we do that, happiness will take care of itself.

To get clarity on this, we asked our distinguished contributors why they thought virtue is the highest good in Stoicism.

Andi Sciacca points out that virtue provides a framework for deciding when alternative courses of action are open to you. Is it simply the ability to use a structured framework to order our decision-making or as a tool to weigh the value and impact of our actions.It relieves us of mental conflicts by showing the right course of action at any given time.

Glenn Citerony says that embracing virtuous living not only provides him with an ethical framework, but also serves as a compass for personal growth, highlighting the importance of moral excellence We need to gently remind ourselves that we are unimpeded from employing these virtues daily. 

Brandon Tumblin alerts us to the fact that by living according to these virtues, we align ourselves with the natural order of the universe. This alignment brings eudaimonia, often translated as happiness or flourishing, but more accurately described as living in harmony with oneself and the world.

John Kuna challenges with this: You are your choices. When you look back on the tapestry of your life – would you prefer it to have been coloured by the muted tones of comfort and convenience, or the strong hues of a consistent character?

Michael Donaldson points our that we will all die and be forgotten, but living a life of virtue will be the one thing that makes one’s time on this earth worth living.  

Greg Sadler discusses virtue in the context of Epictetus’ writings, in terms of what he says and he does not say.
Dan Hayes says that a virtuous life needs correct judgments but Stoicism is not judgmental.

Chuck Chakrapani

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