Living Happily (The Summum Bonum of human life) - The principle of highest good

The aim of our actions for achieving best possible life - Good Life, Ethical Life - (A classical tool for realigning relationship to deepest value & long term commitment)

The concept of highest good

The highest or in other words ultimate good the idea of which was put forward by the philosopher Cicero of the Roman empire.

It denote the very basic ideology on which the ethics is based indicating the aim of our actions which can help us in leading best possible life.

Origin of moral values

Summum Bonum It denotes the principles of goodness from where all moral values are said to originate.

Highest good as per Kant

In the recent era Kant has also described highest good as a state in which happiness accompanies the desire to perform duty.

Christian ideology about highest good

In an important context god is also considered as highest good and the ultimate source of different values especially in Christianity.

Peace is an example of Summum Bonum

For example peace can be indicated as Summum Bonum since it is considered to never ever have any kind of ill effects on any one. On the contrary it is the idealistic position for all sort of development to occur since it afford all possible favorable circumstances for growth and prosperity to occur.

The Indian Philosophical view on highest good (Buddhism)

In Indian context if we talk about Summum Bonum the concept of Nirvana is the best example to quote. It is the Summum Bonumof life as per Buddhism.

Ancient stoicism talks about elemental good

In the ideological understanding of the ancient Stoics the elemental good is a similar to Eudemonia. In their view it could be attained by leading a life full of virtue.

It can be safely called as the supreme good from which all kind of morality has descended.

Aristotle's view on highest good (Eudemonia)

In view of Aristotle the Summum Bonum for every human being is Eudemonia which in itself is a complete, final & Intrinsic good and all other good are valued subordinate to Eudemonia. It is also considered as the cause of goodness of all good.

The Aristotelian three essentials requirements of highest good

The Aristotelian search for the concept of highest good meant an effort to identify and relate to three important things as follows;

a) It is desirable for Itself

b) It is never desired for the sake of some other good

c) Any other good is desired for its sake

Pursuit of highest good leads to achieving higher purpose in life

This pursuit of highest good leads us to orient ourselves for a higher purpose or ideal situation to be achieved In life which can ultimately pave way for our personal growth & development.

Summum Bonum inculctes true bonding and stronger everlasting relationships

This understanding and appreciation of the classical principle of Summum Bonum can ultimately lead any Individual to realign their relationships to deepest values and inculcate true bonding for an ever lasting life long relationship.