The Age of Gold: The History of the Quest for Happiness

A sweeping history of the human pursuit of happiness, from the ancient Greeks to the present day.

In this magisterial work, acclaimed historian David Cannadine takes us on a journey through the ages, exploring the many ways in which people have sought to find happiness. From the ancient Greeks, who believed that happiness was the ultimate goal of human life, to the modern-day pursuit of material wealth and social status, Cannadine shows how our understanding of happiness has evolved over time.

Drawing on a wealth of sources, including literature, philosophy, art, and science, Cannadine paints a vivid picture of the human quest for happiness. He shows how different cultures and societies have defined happiness in different ways, and how our pursuit of happiness has been shaped by our social, economic, and political circumstances.

A thought-provoking and inspiring book, The Age of Gold is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of human happiness.

The Ancient Greeks and the Pursuit of Eudaimonia

For the ancient Greeks, happiness was the ultimate goal of human life. They believed that happiness was a state of well-being that could be achieved through the pursuit of virtue and the cultivation of a good character.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that happiness was the highest good for human beings. He defined happiness as "an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue." In other words, happiness was not something that could be achieved through external possessions or circumstances, but rather through the development of our inner selves.

Aristotle identified three main types of happiness:

• Hedonic happiness: This is the happiness that comes from the enjoyment of pleasure.
• Practical happiness: This is the happiness that comes from the pursuit of virtue and the fulfillment of our potential.
• Contemplative happiness: This is the highest form of happiness, which comes from the contemplation of truth and beauty.

The Medieval Quest for Salvation

In the Middle Ages, the Christian Church became the dominant force in Europe, and the pursuit of happiness was redefined in terms of salvation. Christians believed that happiness could only be achieved in the afterlife, after they had been redeemed from their sins.

The medieval Church taught that there were two ways to achieve salvation:

• Through faith in Jesus Christ: Christians believed that by accepting Jesus as their savior, they could be forgiven for their sins and gain eternal life.
• Through good works: Christians also believed that they could earn salvation by performing good works, such as helping the poor and sick.

The medieval quest for salvation was a long and arduous one, but it was also a source of great hope and comfort for many people.

The Renaissance and the Rediscovery of Happiness

The Renaissance was a time of great intellectual and cultural ferment in Europe. This period saw a renewed interest in the ancient Greek and Roman classics, and a rediscovery of the pursuit of happiness.

The Renaissance humanists argued that happiness was a natural human desire, and that it could be achieved through the pursuit of knowledge, virtue, and beauty. They believed that human beings were capable of great things, and that they should not be limited by the constraints of medieval society.

The Renaissance was a time of great optimism and hope, and it laid the foundation for the modern pursuit of happiness.

The Modern Pursuit of Happiness

In the modern world, the pursuit of happiness has become a central goal for many people. This is due in part to the rise of individualism, which has led to a greater emphasis on personal fulfillment and self-expression.

The modern pursuit of happiness has taken many different forms. Some people seek happiness through material wealth, while others seek it through relationships, family, or career success. Still others seek happiness through spiritual practices or meditation.

There is no one right way to pursue happiness. What makes one person happy may not make another person happy. The important thing is to find what works for you and to make the pursuit of happiness a priority in your life.

Conclusion

The pursuit of happiness is a universal human desire. It is something that people have been striving for since the beginning of time. The Age of Gold is a fascinating exploration of the many ways in which people have sought to find happiness. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of human happiness.