Acting in accordance with virtuous principles is a key to attaining happiness. In Book Three of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle explains the difference between voluntary and involuntary action as well as total passivity. In the first chapter of the book, the philosopher explains the importance of free will and taking action in determining ethical behavior. Aristotle concludes that the only truly ethical acts are those that are chosen by the actor. An involuntary act, one that is done begrudgingly or because of coercion, might yield positive results but cannot be considered ethical. A person who picks up garbage from the streets because they are performing mandatory community service is not acting ethically or from a virtuous character. On the other hand, a person who picks up garbage on the streets to beautify the community or to welcome a guest would be acting with virtue and in accordance with ethics. Aristotle also explains a third state of being, which is basically being unaware. An individual who acts without thinking can also be performing virtuous and ethical behaviors but cannot be considered virtuous automatically. A person who picks up garbage from the streets mindlessly or to practice their throwing skills would have accomplished a positive goal but would not be considered virtuous. The behavior is ethical but the individual might not be. This passage underscores Aristotle's central claim that virtue is integral to human character. Ethics are not absolute laws or lists of "dos" and "don'ts." Instead, ethics are what distinguish intelligent, rational, and virtuous individuals from the rest of the world. Aristotle bases a person's character on actions rather than words; Aristotle judges ethical decisions on the person's intention to act as much as on the person's actions. In the final book of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle reflects back on the concept of...

In Chapter 7 of Book 10, Aristotle links together virtue and happiness. Moreover, Aristotle explains why pleasure helps human beings determine both virtue and happiness. Pleasure is like a gauge of both virtue and of happiness. In Chapter 7 of Book 10 the philosopher also notes that that reason is important to the creation and maintenance of happiness. Aristotle refers to the highest forms of happiness as the pinnacle of human thought. Happiness is "activity in accordance with virtue," as the philosopher states in the first sentence of the chapter.
Furthermore, reason is the most important virtue for human beings to cultivate. Reason is linked with free will and the ability for all human beings to choose ethical behaviors over unethical ones. Ethical behavior is the cornerstone of happiness, and reason can help an individual choose ethical behavior. Therefore, reason and happiness go hand-in-hand. Reason and virtue also go hand-in-hand. When actions are chosen with full conscious thought, and with the virtue of reason, their results are sure to be construed as ethical and will most likely create happiness. Also in Chapter 7 of Book 10, the philosopher applauds reason as a sort of divine spark in the human being. Human beings achieve greatness when they act with reason, with virtue, and with the goal of happiness clearly in mind.

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics provides a code for good living. A virtuous character is one that can be cultivated by self-discipline and righteous action. Only by taking action and choosing behaviors based on their corresponding virtues can a situation be evaluated according to ethical standards. Similarly, ethics can only be determined by assessing the happiness quotient in any given situation. Aristotle's ethics are humanistic, lauding the potential goodness in…