The word “telos” (borrowed directly from the Greek word of the same spelling, meaning “the end, limit, goal, fulfillment”) will be most familiar to folks who have some knowledge of Aristotle. The ancient Greek philosopher proposed that everything has a telos, or an ultimate purpose. A simple object can be defined by explaining its telos. For example, a spoon is a utensil used to scoop up food; delivering food to your mouth is its telos. For humans, Aristotle believed that we are all meant to be happy — every decision should be made in service of achieving that telos.