When we think about how to live a good life, many ideas come to mind. Whether it is about wealth, family or beauty, the theories of the early philosophers must be taken into consideration. These early philosophers include Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and the Epicureans. These four people dedicated their lives to improving life and form the basis of most philosophical theories. It is obvious that these four elements must be read, understood and discussed to better understand one's life. They always thought about how to have a perfect life and society. When developing your own theory, based on these early philosophers, you must not only establish a solid belief system, but also put it into practice. Plato had the most fundamental theory, according to which only virtue was necessary in life to be happy and nothing else. For Aristotle, he used Plato's foundation and added that external goods, such as wealth, respect, friends, and beauty, were all necessary. Without one of these elements, Aristotle believes that it is impossible to live a happy life. For the Stoics, they opted for a balanced approach between virtue and external goods, arguing that virtue is necessary, but external goods are also preferred. The Epicureans largely support the Stoics' point of view and present that pleasure (tranquility) is the goal of all life, but that for this virtues and friends are necessary. Every theory is subject to many criticisms, even Aristotle criticizes his own theory. None seem perfect, but all fit today's modern society. I have found that I agree most with Stoic theory and that any external good is acceptable as long as virtue is the basis of that person's life. In the history of early philosophy, there were four important views on how to live. ..... middle of paper ...... maintain this virtuous attitude. When I reviewed my life from this prompt, I discovered that when I practiced virtuous acts, I was in my happiest state with balance in my life. Works Cited Plato. “Gorgias.” Voice of ancient philosophy. Ed. Julia Annas New York: Oxford, 2001. Print. Aristotle. “Voices of ancient philosophy” Ed. Julia Annas. 327. Print. Cicero. “On final endings”. Voice of ancient philosophy. Ed. Julia Annas, New York, 2001. Epicure. . Julia Annas. New York: Oxford, 2001. 85-92. Print.Plato. “The Book of the Republic II”. Document on the history of ancient philosophy (Prof. Blakey). 5, 2013. Julia Annas Voices of Ancient Philosophy New York: Oxford, 2001. 337. Print..