Heroic Arizona, we’re part of a broader movement rooted in the mission of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation: to see 51% of humanity flourishing by 2051. But what does "flourishing" truly mean? The Flourishing Scale provides a clear framework with eight key indicators:
- I lead a purposeful and meaningful life.
- My social relationships are supportive and rewarding.
- I am engaged and interested in my daily activities.
- I actively contribute to the happiness and well-being of others.
- I am competent and capable in the activities that are important to me.
- I am a good person and live a good life.
- I am optimistic about my future.
- People respect me.
At its core, flourishing boils down to being in the best health we can manage given our circumstances, engaging in purpose-filled work, and pursuing purposeful relationships and endeavors. Cultural considerations further enrich this definition. Especially in some lower-income demographics, relationships, family, or other forms of social engagement and meaning can lead people to flourish even in difficult economic conditions, offering resilience where resources are scarce.
The Foundation of Flourishing: Beyond Survival
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds us that true flourishing may be out of reach for those in survival mode, struggling to secure food, clothing, and shelter. Abject poverty—marked by the absence of these basics—keeps individuals trapped, leaving little room to pursue education or participate in wealth generation. Our first task is to help lift people from this state, moving them up the chain toward stability. Yet, even as we address abject poverty, relative poverty emerges as a subtler challenge. In regions with abundant opportunity, individuals may have their basic needs met but feel unfulfilled when comparing themselves to others with more. This highlights that flourishing isn’t just about meeting a global baseline—it’s also about perception and context.
Cultural and Global Perspectives
Flourishing looks different worldwide. In collectivist cultures, contributing to community well-being might outweigh personal achievement, while individualistic societies may prioritize self-actualization. For those in lower socio-economic brackets, flourishing might mean stability and dignity, whereas in wealthier contexts, it could involve creative expression or legacy-building. As members of the Heroic movement, we must consider these diverse lenses, ensuring our 2051 goal embraces every human experience.
Happiness as a Journey, Not a Destination
Happiness, often tied to flourishing, isn’t a fixed endpoint. Life is fraught with pain, uncertainty, and hard work—there’s no easy path. Instead, it’s a journey bolstered by antifragile confidence, a resilience Heroic Arizona helps cultivate. This confidence allows us to build fulfilling lives amid adversity. Drawing from Martin Seligman’s work, flourishing transcends mere survival; it’s about thriving and contributing to something greater. From a Heroic perspective, the meaning of life lies in this pursuit—using our strengths to create value for ourselves and others, aligning with a purpose that echoes beyond our individual existence.
A Call to Action
To reach 51% flourishing by 2051, we must first address survival needs, then support education and economic participation to elevate individuals. Simultaneously, we must tackle relative poverty’s emotional toll, fostering gratitude and purpose even in abundance. Heroic Arizona stands ready to guide this journey, building antifragile communities that thrive through challenge and contribute to a greater whole. Join the conversation by commenting on this blog and participating in Heroic Arizona’s weekly roundtables and monthly meetings as we explore these and other topics. Visit heroicaz.us to learn more.
