Can we find happiness in this crazy world?

During my journey studying computer science and information systems, one of my most memorable classes was philosophy. Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics stood out. He proposed that everything we do (good or bad) is ultimately aimed at achieving happiness.

But what does happiness mean in the face of real-world challenges—rising costs of living, pothole-ridden roads, inadequate schools, unreliable public transportation, power outages, low salaries, and corruption? Aristotle argued that true happiness isn’t determined by external circumstances alone, but by how we live. It is cultivated through virtue, practical wisdom, and strong communities.

Despite life’s struggles, can we still find happiness? Aristotle’s answer was yes—if we commit to living with excellence, making ethical choices, and fostering meaningful relationships. Happiness, in the end, is not just about what happens to us, but about the kind of people we become.

Do you agree? Can we be happy and still fight for better conditions?