There are two realms that are apparent to all of us. The material realm consists of the things our senses pick up while the spiritual is the area where our being exists. Our emotions, passions and drive originates from this area. The Ancient Greeks considered the spirit realm a realm of absolutes, a place where things are pure and eternal. Christians have a similar belief. By looking at the subject of happiness, we see these principles at work. We call the place of a person’s being, a soul. The ultimate function of a soul, or the best use of it is happiness.

The reason this makes sense is that we observe how good circumstances are helpful but they aren’t absolutely necessary for happiness. Sometimes a person is forced by circumstances to make the best of what they have. Someone who works at being happy within their soul by enjoying what is within reach, will enjoy life much more than a person who is completely dependent on circumstances. We can say that circumstances are variable while virtue is absolute. It is ideal for a person to have good circumstances coupled with happiness within their soul. But since we see that having what one wants all the time doesn’t necessarily bring happiness, addressing the soul is more important.

The way that souls are connected is what we call the spiritual realm, but we all have individual souls. Love, the pleasure we get from another person and happiness, the pleasure we get out of life are both best when based in the soul. This makes it so the unsure realm of circumstances cannot affect them. When we look at politics, it isn’t the circumstances of a nation that makes them great, but what kind of heart the people have collectively. That is why it is important to teach those who are young how to defend the weak and to stand up for what is right. Our ultimate goal is happiness and when people are settled within their souls, they are better at looking at things objectively and making good choices. This is the goal of virtue and grace; possessing virtue and a way to make the best of whatever comes our way.