It’s unfortunate that modern philosophers have devoted vast efforts to attacking the self-confident and optimistic views put forward by Aristotle (384-322 BC) on human nature and life’s purpose. Aristotle conveyed his main premise in his works “Politics,” “Eudemian Ethics” and “Nicomachean Ethics,” namely, that it is the essence of human beings to be rational. In contrast to all animals, we can think, assess facts, develop theories, draw our own conclusions, and test them against reality. While animals have narrow choices, humans can determine which goals to pursue, how to allocate their energies and their other resources, how hard and how long to work. Humans are uniquely able to shape their lives and make their own luck. Aristotle identified happiness as the primary goal of human life and defined ethics as the science of achieving happiness. In Aristotelian philosophy, virtues are defined as habits that lead to happiness, not as social obligations. Individuals are the main beneficiaries of their own virtues, but not the only ones. Society as a whole will also benefit when individuals adopt Aristotelian virtues such as courage, honesty, benevolence, truthfulness, generosity, and justice. Aristotle’s view of human nature is exceedingly optimistic. I do not know of any other philosopher who had developed from scratch such optimistic ethics. Aristotle viewed the attainment of happiness as normal, not as exceptionally difficult. Despite challenges and setbacks, human beings can achieve happiness if they practise the Aristotelian virtues in the pursuit of the long-term goals that they have chosen for themselves. If you read Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics,” you’ll perceive the strength of his optimism. The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is responsible for initiating a deeply pessimistic trend in modern thought. To his credit Kierkegaard, condemned the abstract delusions put forward by Hegel (1770-1831). He rejected Hegel’s theory that history and human destiny are driven by a universal spirit, against which individuals are powerless. In contrast to Hegel, Kierkegaard emphasised freedom and individual responsibility. Each of us is responsible for making his own choices, setting up goals and pursuing them. However, Kierkegaard did not share Aristotle’s optimism. While Aristotle regarded achievement and happiness as the normal outcomes of human efforts, Kierkegaard was controlled by anguish. This anxiety is visible in his later works “Fear and Trembling” (1843) and “Sickness unto Death” (1849). Aristotle did not deny the difficulties in human existence. In his “Eudemian Ethics” and “Nicomachean Ethics,” he viewed courage as the pillar virtue upon which all other virtues rest. In order to achieve happiness, you’ll need courage and hard work. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/modern-attacks-against-aristotles-thoughts-on-human-nature/