The jovial spirit: a positive existential approach inspired by Spanish philosopher Ortega y Gasset

Abstract

This paper aims to introduce the philosophy of José Ortega y Gasset (1883–1955) and explore its potential contributions to contemporary psychology. Ortega’s ratio-vitalist perspective emphasizes the dynamic interplay between reason and life’s circumstances, arguing that authenticity and happiness emerge from fulfilling one’s vocation within the context of unique personal conditions. The paper first contrasts Ortega’s ideas with those of Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre, Husserl and Unamuno. It then focuses on the concept of the ‘jovial spirit’, a resilient and joyful approach to life that embraces existential challenges with enthusiasm, integrates effort with playfulness and finds meaning and happiness through the pursuit of one’s vocation. The jovial spirit is presented in relation to other psychological constructs such as experiential appreciation, psychological flexibility, mature happiness and meaning in life, among others. Grounded in Mediterranean Spanish culture, Ortega’s approach integrates the first and second waves of positive psychology, offering research directions in areas such as authenticity, meaning, the self/others dynamic and happiness, with a clearly defined positive existential focus.