What is the term for happiness that refers to contentment from achieving meaning?

• A. Hedonia
• B. Contentment
• C. Eudaimonia
• D. Satisfaction

Answer: (C)

This focuses on a deep, lasting form of happiness that comes from living a meaningful life and flourishing. It’s not just about feeling pleasure in the moment; it’s about aligning your actions with your values, pursuing worthwhile goals, and growing as a person over time. That kind of fulfillment—when you feel content because you’ve meaningful accomplishments that reflect who you are—is called eudaimonia.

Hedonia describes happiness from pleasure and avoidance of discomfort, while contentment or satisfaction can describe general ease or approval of circumstances but don’t inherently capture meaning or purpose. So when you achieve something that matters and contributes to a larger sense of purpose, the enduring well-being you experience fits eudaimonia.