Final answer:
Goethe believed that true happiness stems from virtuous actions and wisdom, aligning with Platonic and Romantic ideals that prioritize virtue over material possessions. Research supports that while material prosperity contributes to life evaluation, psychosocial prosperity, including relationships, predicts well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Goethe, an important contributor to happiness is the pursuit of virtuous actions over material possessions or high status. This theme aligns with Platonic philosophy, where true happiness is found in virtue and wisdom, rather than transient material goods. The Romantic zeitgeist, which influenced writers like Goethe, placed a heavy emphasis on the beauty of nature, love, and the virtues of the simple life. This perspective also resonates with the idea that happiness is rooted in virtuous living, which is aligned with the notion that one can find true happiness in God, echoing themes found in Boethius's work, The Consolation of Philosophy. Furthermore, the body of research from Diener et al. indicates that while material prosperity can predict life evaluation, psychosocial prosperity predicts positive feelings, suggesting that relationships and emotional fulfilment contribute significantly to well-being.