The questions of what constitute virtue and its contribution to happiness are fundamental to mankind. The Nicomachean Ethics as well as the Analects, respectively, explore this profound relationship. In Aristotle’s view, the ultimate function of man is to attain a state of “eudemonia”, which is to be achieved by sustained virtuous activity of the soul. In contrast, the Analects makes no mention of the character “Fu”(happiness). Moreover, Confucius’ recognition -as ultimate temporal goals- of the ethical concepts of humaneness and ritual, are unrelated to the pursuit of happiness. Nevertheless, both doctrines argue that rational and virtuous activities are the only means to realizing their respective interpretations of the golden-mean, and that adherence to them do contribute to one’s ultimate happiness. Accordingly, both works share the view that Happiness is not predetermined; rather, its attainment requires no small amount of effort.