Evaluating your life from its final vantage point

Aristotle located happiness in a complete life, a concept he explored by engaging with the story of Croesus, the king of Lydia (J.W. Bertolotti from Dying Every Day). Croesus, once the wealthiest man of his era, expected the Athenian lawgiver Solon to name him the happiest person alive. Solon instead identified an obscure citizen named Tellus, who lived honorably and died defending his city. Solon maintained that no one should be called happy until the end of their life, as only then does the final shape of their character become visible.

Examining a current ambition requires testing it against this final perspective. You might consider whether the daily sacrifices and mundane tasks required to reach a goal constitute a life you are willing to lead (Stoic Wisdoms, Stoic Wisdoms). If the reasons for an ambition have shifted, you should acknowledge that change, as the next years of your life deserve their own justification. This process of reflection helps you determine if your current pursuits align with the character you intend to build by the end of your life.