In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle concludes that the highest happiness is contemplation, the activity of the intellect, which is most continuous, self-sufficient and divine. Christian writers took over the idea, contrasting the contemplative life of Mary with the active life of Martha.
Contemplative life
Bios theōrētikos: the life devoted to contemplation, which Aristotle held to be the happiest and most divine.
Also: bios theoretikos, vita contemplativa