Diogenes – Happiness
“He has the most who is content with the least.”
Diogenes
Big Idea
Money, influence, friends and good grades– students think that more is better. The whole idea of cutting back on desire isn’t very attractive. Yet, we can’t have it all and so now and throughout life, students must make smart choices on what they want and how much.
Claim
Here Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes suggests that the secret to happiness and fulfillment in life is to be content with having little. He could be referring to material things, status and reputation or even human relationships.
Counterclaim
But being content with what you have doesn’t inspire you to move forward and get more. You stagnate and no longer develop when you decide that you have enough. This is hardly a life plan for happiness.
Essential
Question
How do you know when you have enough to be happy?
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