Aristotle, in Nicomachean Ethics I.1.2, distinguishes between intrinsic and instrumental goods. Some things are good for the sake of something else: we want a nice house because it is comfortable. Other goods, however, are fundamentally good and do not admit of the question "but why do you want it?" Happiness is a fundamental good. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit figsinwinter.substack.com/subscribe