Our collective obsession with wellness and self-optimisation may well be rooted in capitalist constructs, but the pursuit of a good life is nothing new. In some ways, while we’ve moved onto Apple Watches, cryotherapy, and ‘longevity pioneers’, we’re not a million miles away from the Ancient Greeks and their search for eudaemonia. Eudaemonia doesn’t have a perfect English translation, but can be roughly equated to living a good life. Or as Science Direct puts it, “Eudaimonia refers to the concept of living a complete and fulfilling human life, according to the eudaimonic tradition. It emphasises the process and content of a well-lived life, rather than focusing solely on happiness as an outcome. While happiness is not the main aim of living well, it is often a result of living a eudaimonic lifestyle.”

We reached out to some of our favourite tastemakers, from Amsterdam to Astana, to get their input on what it means to live a good life in 2024. 

Aika Cherdabayeva, graphic designer (Paris/Astana)

“To me, living a good life encompasses the concept of freedom in its many forms. It’s about having the freedom to express myself authentically, to move through the world without boundaries. 

Embracing my own tempo, navigating through life’s ups and downs at a pace that feels right for me. Listening to my gut and allowing it to lead me, even when the path isn’t clear. Constantly taking chances on myself, trusting that my passions and instincts will guide me towards fulfillment. It’s about having a strong support system and community around me. Uplifting those I care about and building each other up.” 

Charlotte Emily Brattinga, fashion consultant and host of Brand News podcast (Amsterdam)

“Every decision I make I try to decide whether it’ll make me happy. I really try to lead with this in mind, and to consider whether it’ll impact my mental wellness, emotional balance, and physical health.”

Mitchell van de Laar, fitness trainer and talent development coach (Amsterdam)

“That you can look yourself into the mirror every night and that you love who you are and that you celebrate this amazing journey: that is called ‘life’. With all ups and downs. All its adventures, connections and experiences.”

Jamiel Thompson, co-founder of Twin City (London)

“For me, persistence, resilience, hunger, and love paved the way to where I am today.” 

Ellyn Bouscasse, artist (Amsterdam)

“A life surrounded by people I love, creativity and nature.”

Pia Brynteson, Editor at Service95 (London)

“Living a good life, to me, means making the most of every day and taking the plunge. Being from a city with so much freedom, I don’t want to look back and feel like I didn’t do something because I was scared or felt I should play it safe. 

It’s also about the balance between pushing myself at work and finding time to do things like dance, laugh, and be silly with my friends and family. There’s always so much happening and so many pressures to succeed and do more in whatever you do. Especially in London, there is this sink-or-swim feeling. But I try to think about what is actually important to me (blocking out all the noise!) and just have a good time—probably sometimes too good of a time! I’m still trying to get the balance right…”

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