THE PURSUIT OF INNER HARMONY: INDIVIDUALIZED EUDAIMONIA AND AUTHENTICITY IN EVERY REASON TO BE HAPPY BY ERIC-EMMANUEL SCHMITT
THE PURSUIT OF INNER HARMONY: INDIVIDUALIZED EUDAIMONIA AND AUTHENTICITY IN EVERY REASON TO BE HAPPY BY ERIC-EMMANUEL SCHMITT

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the concept of individualized eudaimonia in the short story ”Every reason to be happy”, part of the collection ”The Most Beautiful Book in the World” by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. The analysis focuses on the central dilemma of the protagonist, Isabelle, who, despite fulfilling all societal expectations for happiness – such as career success, financial stability, and a romantic relationship – experiences a profound sense of inner emptiness. The paper argues that true eudaimonia, or flourishing, cannot be achieved through external validation or conformity to social norms, but rather through a process of self-discovery and alignment with personal values. Isabelle's journey toward self-fulfillment illustrates the modern shift from a universal, virtue-based understanding of happiness to a more subjective, individualized form of eudaimonia rooted in authenticity and personal aspirations. This study highlights the importance of internal reconciliation in achieving genuine well-being and fulfillment in contemporary literature.

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