The largest successes and failures always start with a simple principle. I am referring to Aristotle’s principle of causality. If you understand it and adhere to it, you should do well in life. If you ignore its existence or fail to obey it, it will wipe you out. After Thomas #aquinas (1225–1274) had rediscovered every key principle of #aristotelian philosophy, one might expect later generations to observe those principles, right? Actually not. History is not linear. It often happens that key ideas are forgotten for decades or centuries. Individuals will let go of reason and embrace superstition under social pressure or due to outright stupidity. The truth can be long forgotten before it is again brought to light. Aristotle’s two major opponents are #immanuelkant (1724-1804) and Friedrich #hegel (1770-1831). Their attacks against Aristotle’s causality principle made human flourishing, thriving and success impossible. By attacking the root principle, Kant and Hegel discouraged a large part of their contemporaries from developing their #skills and talents. Kant and Hegel’s philosophical errors discouraged people from pursuing self-actualisation and happiness. Immanuel Kant is generally regarded as a pivotal figure of Enlightenment philosophy, but in reality, his ideas undermine a good part of the Aristotelian principles that enable civilisation. Aristotle had outlined clear steps for achieving eudaimonia, starting with the identification of goals, the cultivation of skills and virtue, and the application of one’s energies to productive work. The practice of Aristotelian virtues leads to tangible benefits such as success, wealth, friendship and health. The principle of causality plays in your favour if you obey it. It helps you if you help yourself. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-understanding-of-human-flourishing-and-success-compared-to-kants/