Aristotle made the distinction of a three- faceted life-form: bios theoretikos, bios praktikos and bios apolaustikos. The first-mentioned is the highest form of life because within it the divine is most closely approached, and it leads thus to eudaimonia. In the second, lower, practical life-form (which includes political life) man no longer seeks eudaimonia but rather honour (time). The lowest form – which man has in common with the animals – is the bios apolaustikos in which man seeks pleasure in order to satisfy his sensual urge.
The modern-day businesses, society and families at large suffer with the dilemma of which life form is most relevant and acceptable. The one which is divine, second which is timely and practical and the last which satisfies ones needs merely. Without a debate the middle path is the easiest. For more than four decades that our country witnessed Human resource as a separate department we have also seen debates that HR is not a practical function but a theory of ideal policies and frameworks for employee development. The irony...
