The study of ethics has divided the philosophical community into competing schools of thought for many years. Two of these schools, Stoicism and Epicureanism, grappled with the specific question “How can I be happy?” Although at first glance the answer may seem obvious, the two schools have developed contrasting theories of happiness that demonstrate that it is not so easy to answer. The Stoics argue that the path to a happy life is through the pursuit of virtue. In comparison, Epicureans argue that a happy life is one free of pain. To clarify, neither school declares specific actions to be right or wrong; rather everyone prescribes their own way of life in which happiness can be achieved (Sharples 82). In this article I will argue that the Stoic school is successful because it explains the human desire to pursue certain virtues without regard to pleasure or pain that are essential for happiness. For the Stoics, what is necessary to live a happy life does not itself come from physical pleasure or mental peace, rather from virtue (Sharples 100). When you act virtuously, you act in accordance with your human nature, following the guidance of your reason. For the Stoics, this guidance of reason leads us to certain things that give us pleasure such as wisdom or even other virtues that we can experience. This life of virtue according to reason is entirely sufficient to live a happy life and is in no way affected by the consequences of an action. The Stoics emphasize the importance of reasonable action in pursuit of a specific outcome without placing value on the specific outcome itself (Sharples 107). If a man follows his reason to achieve a result, the result in question plays no role in the awarding of happiness, but only the use of his reason. East...... middle of paper ......meaningful actions that promote happiness. For Epicureans, it is essential to eliminate pain from the body and limit mental anxiety to maintain happiness. For the Stoic, the pursuit of virtue ultimately gives rise to happiness. In my opinion, the Stoic argument surpasses the Epicurean argument and succeeds in prescribing a lifestyle that promotes happiness. The Stoic school distinguishes between virtues and feelings, making them desirable for human beings. Human reason tells us that it is desirable to acquire certain virtues, some of which may not be the most physically pleasant. The Epicurean would be forced to say that virtues such as leadership and service would not lead to happiness if the pain outweighs the pleasure. The fact that human beings desire to pursue virtues that may cost pain is proof enough of their superior school of thought.