The philosophical concepts by Plato and Aristotle are both undeniably abstruse and convoluted. However, a simple and basic understanding of both theories can benefit one to be able to apply them in order to live life to the fullest. Here are 3 simple steps on understanding and applying the concepts:

1.       We must first understand the concept enunciated by Plato. As Plato was Socrates student, the concept was largely taken from his mentor, that in order to live life to the fullest, one must be able to perform his function well. He drew an analogy using a knife. A knife is said to be excellent if it can perform its role as a knife. Hence, sharpness is the yardstick on whether a knife has lived its life to the fullest. The conundrum is: what is the function of the soul? Plato, in following his mentor, viewed that the function of the soul for humans is to live, rule, deliberate, and take care of things. In line with that, the virtue for measurement is “justice”. To put it simply, Plato’s concept is that as long as one performs the function of the soul congruously with the virtue of justice, he will live life to the fullest.

2.       Aristotle, on the other hand, propounded that in order for one to live life to the fullest, he must strive for excellence through expression of reasons with happiness as the ultimate goal. Although happiness is arguably subjective, it is objectively the ultimate desire for every human being. Furthermore, as human beings, the power to reason and think is perhaps the most distinctively inherent feature as compared to animals. Hence, in order for one to live life to the fullest, one must express his reasons and strive for excellence, bearing in mind that everything he does must lead to happiness.

3.       Last but not least, let’s compare both concepts to our modern world. Plato’s concept seems like an altruistic theory that hopes for a utopia. The rationale is simple, if everyone performs his function ably and justly, then the world would be a better place. However, such a concept is too narrow. Think about the function of an ice cream seller in contrast with a doctor. It is still plausible to say that a doctor lives his life to the fullest if he performs his function well by treating and caring for his patients. It would be ludicrous to say that it is equally fulfilling for the ice-cream seller. On the other hand, Aristotle’s concept has a much wider scope. And true enough, no matter what we specialize in, or whether we have noble function or not, the ultimate goal is to seek happiness. There are more and more niches in this world that only Aristotle’s concept would make sense. Even a blunt knife could be used for acting films; even an ice-cream seller could light up a consumer’s heart with delicacies. Whether or not we perform altruistic functions as a human being is a question of morality. Not everyone is meant to rule or be a leader, but everyone is meant to live their life to the fullest.