From Thriving to Flourishing

This essay explores the nuanced relationship between human flourishing and thriv-ing through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and theology. It differentiates common constructs including happiness, thriving, wholeness, and flourishing, emphasizing that flourishing transcends mere happiness or well-being by incorpo-rating deeper meanings and purposes. The paper examines ancient Greco-Roman perspectives, particularly Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, alongside early Christian theological insights from Augustine, who reframed the notion of thriving in relation to divine purpose. It summarizes the critiques of contemporary positive psychology and argues for a fourth wave in positive psychology that integrates transfinite values, and the wisdom of religious traditions.