f

In terms of progress as a precursor to human development or achievement, this idea has taken many forms. The contemporary definition of progress is the advance or development toward a better, more complete, or more modern condition. Looking back at the earliest ancient philosophers the idea of Eudaimonia reigned supreme. Although Eudaimonia was interpreted subjectively like other ideas, the best understanding of the word we have is “flourishing,” or “excellence.” Socrates’ saw virtue (in the modern sense) as both necessary and sufficient for Eudaimonia. He believed that without moral virtue such as self-control, courage, justice, etc., one cannot be happy, but with virtue one cannot fail to be happy. Plato believed similarly that virtue was most important and that it is sufficient. Philosopher and Plato’s older brother Glaucon in The Republic presented a challenge with a theoretical example of Gyges becoming King of Lydia after stumbling upon a magical ring that could make hi