Influence Of Aristotle's Theory On Life After Death

The concept of eternal joy and peace that one can receive when they pass through their life on earth to the afterlife is accepted by religions all over the world. Although the afterlife is seen by many as eternal happiness, death can be seen as very saddening, but it can also result in celebration. In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle presented the idea that one may not be deemed truly happy until they are already relieved of the suffering from their life on Earth (Aristot. Nic. Eth. 1). Although Aristotle’s theory on true happiness after death may be true, there is no doubt that the journey of life itself is immensely significant because it can determine our ultimate fate after death. In this essay, I will support my thesis by referencing Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, which will serve as my principal text from the Greco-Roman tradition. I will also use the Gospel of Matthew to provide the point of view from a Judeo- Christian text. I will then compare the two views to show the similar factors that provide significance to my argument. …show more content…
Each individual feels happiness through different practices and rituals. The fact that all human beings are different, and have the ability to be happy in their own way, shows that everyone has an equal opportunity to ultimately be happy. However, happiness is a choice. If one chooses a life driven towards happiness, or Salvation, they can hope to be rewarded after death. Not all people choose this path, which supports the idea that life cannot be a journey simply used to appreciate the significance of happiness and Salvation after death. If life is just a waiting room full of suffering, then it would have to be true that everyone is deemed happy after death. Life is a precious blessing, granted to the souls of many, that serves many purposes. Although it serves many purposes, the greatest is to be happy and at peace with everyone, when it is time to pass from this