The Good Life: Ethics and the Pursuit of Happiness

by Herbert McCabe

Publisher:

Bloomsbury

, 2012

Overview

The Dalai Lama once wrote that the object of human existence was to be happy. On the other hand, von Hugel wrote, “Religion has never made me happy; it’s no use shutting your eyes to the fact that the deeper you go, the more alone you will find yourself.” This small masterpiece by the late Fr. Herbert McCabe, OP steers a steady course between these two extremes. We feel instinctively that human beings are designed to enjoy themselves and to be happy and yet we are told that suffering is good for the soul. But in the Catholic tradition the true object of human existence is the vision of God and nothing less than this will ever make us truly happy.

But Fr. McCabe explores much deeper issues. Is Happiness a pleasure or a pain? You hardly know. Certainly it is not a comfort for comfort spells security and happiness can take you out of yourself to a degree where all security is left behind. Behind a feeling of exultation, you can sense the flame of incandescent terror. This short book is entirely original and further enhances McCabe’s posthumous reputation.

Product Details

• Title: The Good Life: Ethics and the Pursuit of Happiness
• Author: Herbert McCabe
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 125
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Conduct of life; Ethics; Happiness
• ISBNs: 9780826476470, 0826476473
• Resource ID: LLS:GDLFTPRSTHPPNSS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:51:56Z

About Herbert McCabe

Herbert McCabe (1926-2001) was an English Dominican priest, theologian and philosopher, who was born in Middlesbrough in the North Riding of Yorkshire. After studying chemistry and philosophy at Manchester University, he joined the Dominicans in 1949, where under Victor White he began his life-long study of the works of Thomas Aquinas. He was also a student of Columba Ryan. He is often confused with the Irish oarsman of the same name.