ABSTRACT
Virtuous activities include intellectual pursuits, as the intellect has virtues of its own. Intellectual virtues are cultivated in the abstract reasoning demonstrated in mathematical proofs, scientific theories, and philosophical reflections. We live most happily when we do things that develop our distinctively human abilities. These abilities are our natural potential, which virtuous activities enable us to realize or perfect. Exercised and developed in these activities, the virtues are themselves human excellences and also make possible the perfecting of our natural gifts. The lesson taught by Groundhog Day is that egoistic hedonism must fail because individuals cannot successfully pursue their happiness directly. Happiness comes about only as the indirect result of realizing our human potential in activity that is intrinsically valuable—primarily, virtuous activity. The implication is that happiness is achieved only when we forget about ourselves.
