I’m a Vienna-based European with a passion for literature, food and politics. And I am in search of Eudaimonia, the Excellent Life.
What do we need to reach Eudaimonia, to live the Excellent Life? That is the question I’m trying to answer in my writings.
Eudaimonia is a philosophical concept dating back to the Ancient Greeks. Briefly, Aristoteles thought that to reach Eudaimonia, to live a happy and well-lived life, two things are necessary: Ethics and Politics, the personal good life and our contribution to the Community.
I explore Life on Earth mainly through these three channels: good writing, good food and travel. I have tried to visualise what — to me — are the most important elements of Eudaimonia:
I would love to hear from you! What does the Excellent Life mean to you personally? Do you have a plan for your Eudaimonia?
Literature has been my overwhelming passion ever since I learned how to read. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. Writing about literature is my very own Eudaimonia :-)
Currently, I am writing a series of articles about the food and politics of Dracula. I keep track of everything everybody eats and …drinks!! 😜. I also explore the political and historical background of the book. I’ll post soon & keep you updated!
What about Food?
I’m an ethical vegan who doesn’t necessarily take veganism (or herself) all too seriously. This is what I wrote about a vegan fast food chain here in Vienna:
You can read the story here
And then, politics. I write about politics all the time. I’m also creating ways to become active.
**The importance of politics can hardly be overstated. **
We live in great times, and they are getting bigger all the time. The personal has become extremely political once again. The paradigms of the last two century have crumbled. The political Left is gasping its last gasps, while the extreme Right, in spite of everything that history has to teach us, is gaining traction at an alarming pace.
What can be done?
I decided, baby-steps! And so I became the proud organiser of the [Wiener Idealisten ♥︎♥︎Idealists of Vienna] (https://www.facebook.com/groups/WienerIdealisten/)
If you live here, or are visiting our beautiful city, come and join us!!
On a personal note: I have a cat named Shamchat, and an MA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies. I have been — at various times and simultaneously — an expert in Qohelet, a Spinozist, a cook, a feminist, a bookshop owner, a politico, a translator, and an essayist in search of Eudaimonia.
Thanks for reading. Have a frabjous day!
Cheers,
innanja
PS. I would love to hear from all of you, Steemians, what the Excellent Life means for you personally. Do you have a plan for your Eudaimonia? Please share in the comments!