Rabat – Happiness doesn’t come in one form, it’s as personal as your fingerprint; what makes one person feel fulfilled might leave another completely untouched. 

As simple as it may sound, happiness is actually a complex, multilayered concept with no fixed definition. It’s about discovering what makes you feel alive, at peace, and content.

Let’s take a journey through different philosophical traditions to see how cultures across time and space have understood happiness – and maybe find a few inspiration to bring a little more joy into our own lives.

Stoicism

Born in ancient Greece around the third century BCE, Stoicism was founded by Zeno of Citium and later developed by philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism teaches that mastering our mind and accepting what is beyond our control is key to inner peace. Worrying about things we cannot change only adds to our suffering. 

According to Stoic thought, the only thing we truly have power over is our reaction to life’s challenges. As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus wisely said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” By focusing on our responses rather than external events, we can cultivate a lasting sense of calm and contentment.

Epicureanism

Around the same time in Athens, Epicureanism emerged in the same cultural context as Stoicism but offered a different path to happiness. Epicurus and his followers created their own version of happiness: one that wasn’t about endless pleasure, but about simple joys.

For Epicureans, happiness arises from the absence of unnecessary pain and the embrace of a simple, balanced life. Pleasure is central in this philosophy, but it’s not about overindulging or chasing every desire. True happiness comes from enjoying small, natural joys – like good food, true friendship, or feeling safe – and avoiding unnecessary cravings that lead to stress and discomfort. In other words, happiness here is about simplicity, balance, and peace of mind.

Taoism

Taoism, or Daoism, is a philosophy and religion that emerged in ancient China more than 2,000 years ago. It is traditionally linked to the sage Laozi, author of the Tao Te Ching, one of the most influential texts in Chinese philosophy.

At its heart, Taoism is all about going with the flow of life, or the “Tao.” Happiness, in this philosophy, comes from accepting what you have and letting life unfold naturally. True joy happens when we stop trying to control everything and stop forcing life to fit our plans. It’s about trusting the process, embracing simplicity, and finding peace in the present moment.

Ikigai

Originating from Japan, Ikigai is not a formal philosophical system but a Japanese cultural concept dating back to the Heian period (794–1185). Ikigai, often described as a “reason for being,” links happiness to purpose. It’s the sweet spot between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what keeps you going. When your daily actions line up with your purpose, life feels meaningful, motivating, and surprisingly peaceful all at once.

Happiness, the Moroccan way

In Morocco, happiness takes many forms, yet it often revolves around the same simple joys. True happiness lies in simplicity — whether it’s a family gathering around couscous on Friday, or a good glass of tea shared with loved ones. For many Moroccans, especially the elders, being surrounded by family brings the deepest sense of joy, reflecting the strong community spirit at the heart of Moroccan culture.

Happiness also comes alive during celebrations — weddings, baptisms, or family gatherings — where everyone joins in to help create unforgettable moments before dancing to the joyful rhythms of chaabi music. It’s in these moments that laughter, music, and togetherness weave the true fabric of Moroccan joy.