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Happiness: Appendix or who got what right and what wrong about our well-being
So Aristotle got it right that we need some material basics. Some food, shelter to cover for those basic physiological needs.
That is not enough though as both progressives and reactionaries of the 19th c figured.
Marx: there is something in the way capitalism works that makes us miserable. Even if we would distribute material goods more equally we would still be miserable. Cause: alienation from our nature. Remedy: revolution
Ruskin: capitalist way of production robs us of the meaningful work. Remedy: sacrifice the benefits of it, go back to the way of doing things that gave meaning to our lives
Suggestion from contemp. psych: for us to be happy beside physiological needs our psych needs have to be satisfied: to feel autonomous, to feel competent, to feel that we belong
Stoics got it right that we need to get rid of desires directed at things that are not up to us.
That would strengthen our sense of autonomy.
That would strengthen our sense of autonomy.
Sadly, it wouldn't work if we lived in extreme poverty in which basics (food and shelter) were not covered. Or if we were slaves. That would rob us of the sense of autonomy and competence. 
Also, stoics advised us not to get attached to people as part of the things that are not apt to us.
That would thwart our need for belonging.
That would thwart our need for belonging.
Utopists: basic needs fulfilled, psych needs seemed to be fulfilled. The community, the autonomy through education etc, the competence ... all seem to flourish! But....
It remains unclear to what extent such heavily regulated societies that control the movement, procreation, spare time... of individuals to the minute details could support the sense of autonomy despite propaganda
So the q. is could we embrace all these restrictions as our own and feel autonomous by being obedient to the laws of society bcs all of it is for our own good?
It's an empirical question.... and funny (but also scary!) it seems that we could address it in the covid times. 
THE END
THE END
@HopeSteffen @zerdeve for you guys, the appendix. I am so happy you enjoyed the series!
