Satisfaction

After reading the article titled “Self-Help, Ancient Greek Style” in the January 27, 2019 edition of The New York Times, I thought of The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Poor Mick Jagger as he tried and tried, but was unable to get satisfaction. Perhaps, if he psychologically “did” instead of “try”, he might’ve been more successful.

According to this article, the Greeks, including Aristotle had a unique philosophy regarding the living of life. One could pursue happiness, well-being, prosperity [finding purpose to become the best version of yourself, nothing to do with the obsession of material success] or the Greek word eudaimonia by living one’s life a certain way.  One could employ reason; knowledge; rationality; virtue; self-reflection; togetherness or mature relationships; and employ midway or well-balanced behavior between extremes. Put another way, one could demonstrate strength of will, purposeful striving as an end to itself in order to live up to one’s fullest potential or become self-actualized. For me, instead of searching for happiness or looking for the fountain of youth, I labeled it, “the fulfillment of wishes, expectations, needs, and the pleasure derived from it or satisfaction.”

Using Aristotle’s model as a guide or reference for living, the following is my reflection. From childhood to present, I have always participated in sports. Specifically, my high school was known as a football powerhouse on the east side of Detroit. In fact, our senior team was called, by the sports writers, one of the best ever to play in the state of Michigan. I attained honors, while playing in the sport that I love, my skill level was rewarded, and I received an athletic football scholarship to attend the University. My interest in football continued, and was exhibited and furthered by my book “Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. Linda and I return to Ann Arbor every year to attend a University of Michigan game with former players.

 To Be Continued