Which is better: Hedonic or Eudaimonic Wellbeing?

What does it truly mean to live a good life? Is it about enjoying as many pleasures as possible, or is it about finding meaning and purpose in what we do? 

In the study of human wellbeing, these questions have led to two major perspectives: hedonistic wellbeing, which emphasizes happiness and pleasure, and eudaimonic wellbeing, which focuses on personal growth and living a meaningful life. 

While both aim to improve our quality of life, they approach it from very different angles. Understanding these two concepts not only deepens our insight into human psychology, but also helps us make better choices for a more fulfilling life. 

In this article, we explore what hedonistic and eudaimonic wellbeing mean, how they differ, and how both can play a role in our journey toward a richer, more satisfying existence.

What is Eudaimonic Wellbeing?

Eudaimonic wellbeing comes from the Greek word “eudaimonia,” which was introduced by Aristotle. 

Unlike hedonism, Aristotle did not see happiness as the pursuit of pleasure but rather as living in accordance with one’s true self and purpose. Eudaimonia is often translated as “human flourishing” or “living well.”

Eudaimonic wellbeing focuses on meaning, personal growth, self-realization, and contributing to society. It’s not just about how good you feel, but about how good your life is in terms of values, purpose, and authenticity.

Key Characteristics:

• Purpose-driven: Living with goals and long-term meaning.
  
• Growth-oriented: Developing personal strengths and skills.
  
• Authentic: Aligning actions with one’s true self and values.
  
• Social connection: Helping others, building strong relationships.
  

Examples:

• Volunteering for a cause you believe in.
  
• Pursuing a meaningful career.
  
• Reflecting on personal growth.
  
• Overcoming challenges that lead to greater understanding.
  

Psychological Perspective:

Psychologist Carol Ryff developed a model of eudaimonic wellbeing based on six key components:

1. Autonomy – independence and self-determination.
   
2. Environmental mastery – ability to manage life situations.
   
3. Personal growth – continuous development.
   
4. Positive relationships – strong, supportive connections.
   
5. Purpose in life – having goals and direction.
   
6. Self-acceptance – a positive attitude toward oneself.
   

Eudaimonic wellbeing is often linked with long-term psychological resilience and deeper life satisfaction, even if it doesn’t always result in momentary pleasure.

Hedonic vs. Eudaimonic Wellbeing: What’s the Difference?

While both hedonic and eudaimonic types of wellbeing aim for a fulfilling life, they differ significantly in their concepts, methods, and outcomes. 

Hedonic wellbeing focuses on short-term pleasures and emotional satisfaction, such as enjoyment and relaxation, while eudaimonic wellbeing is centered on long-term purpose, inner growth, and living in alignment with one’s core values. 

Understanding these distinctions can help individuals choose paths that align better with their personal goals and lifestyle

1. Focus

• Hedonic Wellbeing: Emphasizes happiness and pleasure, aiming to maximize positive emotions and minimize discomfort. It’s about enjoying life and seeking comfort or entertainment.
  
• Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Emphasizes meaning and life purpose, focusing on living in alignment with personal values and contributing to something larger than oneself.
  

2. Timeframe

• Hedonic Wellbeing: Short-term, focused on immediate gratification. The focus is on the “now,” such as enjoying a delicious meal or watching a movie.
  
• Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Long-term, focused on lasting fulfillment and personal development that builds over time, such as pursuing education or nurturing meaningful relationships.
  

3. Source

• Hedonic Wellbeing: Comes from external experiences (e.g., fun, rewards, relaxation). These are typically sensory or emotionally pleasurable events.
  
• Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Comes from internal growth, values, and self-realization. It is deeply tied to identity, reflection, and inner development.
  

4. Philosophical Root

• Hedonic Wellbeing: Rooted in Hedonism, the philosophical idea that pleasure is the highest good and primary motivation for human behavior.
  
• Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Rooted in Aristotle’s concept of Eudaimonia, which views happiness as a byproduct of virtue, moral integrity, and fulfilling one’s potential.
  

5. Measurement

• Hedonic Wellbeing: Measured by life satisfaction and positive emotions, such as joy, excitement, and comfort. Surveys often ask how happy people feel day-to-day.
  
• Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Measured by purpose in life, autonomy, and self-acceptance focusing on personal meaning, mastery of life, and growth.
  

6. Examples

• Hedonic Wellbeing:
  
  • Eating dessert after a long day
    
  • Going to a spa or enjoying a vacation
    
  • Attending a fun party with friends
    
• Eudaimonic Wellbeing:
  
  • Starting a nonprofit to help others
    
  • Raising a family with care and intention
    

Studying philosophy to gain deeper self-understanding

Complementary or Conflicting?

It’s a common misconception that hedonistic and eudaimonic wellbeing are mutually exclusive. In fact, research shows that the two can coexist. A meaningful life can also be enjoyable, and pleasurable activities can contribute to overall life satisfaction.

However, when pleasure is pursued at the expense of meaning or when long-term goals are pursued without joy there may be an imbalance. The key is integration: finding happiness in the things that give your life meaning.

Scientific Insights:

Studies suggest that:

• People with high eudaimonic wellbeing tend to have better physical health, lower stress levels, and greater resilience.
  
• Those with high hedonic wellbeing often report higher momentary happiness but may not sustain wellbeing in the long term if there is no deeper meaning.
  
• Balanced individuals, who engage in both pleasure and purpose, report the highest levels of overall wellbeing.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding these two dimensions of wellbeing can help individuals and communities design more holistic strategies for health and happiness.

For example:

• In the workplace, offering perks (like free lunches or parties) may boost hedonic wellbeing, while career development and meaningful projects support eudaimonic wellbeing.
  
• In education, encouraging students to enjoy learning is hedonistic, while helping them find purpose in their studies is eudaimonic.
  
• On a personal level, reflecting on what kind of happiness you’re pursuing can guide better life choices. Are you chasing quick pleasures, or building a life of substance? Ideally, you can have both.
  
• Exercise for women’s wellbeing is another great example: enjoyable group classes or dance workouts offer hedonic benefits, while setting long-term health goals and building self-confidence align with eudaimonic wellbeing.

On a personal level, reflecting on what kind of happiness you’re pursuing can guide better life choices. Are you chasing quick pleasures, or building a life of substance? Ideally, you can have both.

Conclusion

Hedonistic wellbeing and eudaimonic wellbeing offer two valuable lenses through which to view human happiness. 

The former is about feeling good, while the latter is about being good to yourself and the world around you. Neither is inherently better than the other; they fulfill different psychological needs. 

In a balanced life, there is space for joy and fun, as well as for purpose and growth. By understanding and integrating both types of wellbeing, individuals can move toward a more complete and satisfying life one that is not only lived, but truly flourishes.