A friend recently posted on Facebook, “I’m not happy being content.” This really resonated with me.
Content is one of those words that can have a positive or negative connotation. Some might feel content is good, as in satisfied and happy with what you have. In my view, content means complacent. It means letting life pass you by. It means giving up the fight to learn more, be more, and give more.
I am thankful for all I have. A nice house, a wonderful family, food, heat, entertainment. In terms of basic needs and even most wants, I appreciate what I have. But content? Never. I want to be growing, improving, changing and making things better for the rest of my life.
My husband and I were recently having a political discussion and he mentioned the Roman Empire’s idea of “Bread & Circuses,” which refers to the concept that if the people are given entertainment and food staples, they are easy to control. I think it’s interesting from a personal growth perspective how many people are content with bread and circuses. Is it human nature to be complacent when we’re fed and entertained? How much richer could our lives (and society) be if we always worked to improve?
The Discipline Project is my way of reminding myself every day to try to improve and to help others improve. What do you think? Is “content” negative or positive to you?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Being “Content” used to mean negative things to me, similar to what you expressed above. It has recently come to be one of my highest goals. To me, being content means living in the moment, enjoying what I have while I have it, and not always wishing today away by being too immersed in tomorrow.
I want to always continue growing, learning, seeking to improve myself, and thus my family’s disposition. But not at the expense of today’s glorious rewards!
Thank you so much for the discipline project! It has been such a meaningful series. Looking forward to more!
Twitter: HeadlessMom
February 9, 2011 at 1:33 am
We often talk about contentment around here. I’m perfectly content in my life. It’s not that I don’t strive for ‘better’ but I’m luxuriously happy with my husband, our 3 kids and our lovely life. My husband is the one that always wants more: stuff, toys, money, vacations, you name it. Yes, he loves us, but in many ways he has the cultural influence of “MORE”. No, he doesn’t put us into debt or anything like that. Do you get what I mean? It’s more a condition of the psyche than action.
Headless Mom recently posted: Unbloggable
Twitter: aberrantvenus
February 9, 2011 at 6:26 am
I used to think that being ‘content’ meant settling for the nuclear-lifestyle. Admittedly this perspective was formed in my teens so I’ve had a bit of a re-adjustment along the way! I’ve done the whole career thing. I’ve run two businesses. I’ve reached for the sky. And I have to say, there is a lot to be said for being content. Is it settling for the path with less obstacled? Maybe. Is it negative? Definitely not. It’s about what you’re happy with, and what you can live with. Not everyone has the same level of expectations. My focus these days is improving myself. I’m not happy with being ‘content’ in myself. I want to be the best I can be. And maybe, just maybe – the rest of my life will follow suit :)
Food for thought and great post!
Aberrant Venus recently posted: Day 2 – Write a List Post
I agree that content is not enough for life in general. A friend once said to me “that which is good is the enemy of that which is best” (no idea if this comes from somewhere else or if it was his brainchild), meaning that if you have something that is good enough, something with which you are content, you stop striving for what is better.
There are exceptions to every rule. Dinner does not always have to be “best;” sometimes it can just be “good.” That goes for a lot of things, but it’s important to keep striving in the bigger picture for improvement.
Describing yourself as content is like describing someone else as “nice.” No one wants to be described as nice; much better to be interesting, funny, compassionate, or organized — something that identifies you as having a personality. Life should have a personality, too.
Kate recently posted: Boston Adventures- January 2011 – Part 3
Twitter: LBDDiaries
February 11, 2011 at 8:54 am
Well whoa. Such a heavy thought before my coffee and so eye-opening. I believe I’ve settled into content and that explains the rumblings of discontent. I think I’ve settled for bread and circuses and it is past time to re-challenge myself. thank you for the wake-up call… even if it was before coffee (smile)!
LBDDiaries recently posted: Luv- Baby It’s Cold Outside!
Twitter: diana_prichard
February 14, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Very thought provoking post! You’re on a roll lately. :)
I think the important thing is not whether you are content or not, but what your motivation for being either way is. I’m reminded of the story of the Mexican Fisherman and the Harvard MBA from the U.S.
In a nutshell the Mexican Fisherman is greeted upon coming in from a morning of fishing by the Harvard MBA who is in his little fishing village on vacation.
“Nice fish.” The American tells him,
“How long did it take you to catch them?”
“Not long.” Replies the Mexican Fisherman
“Well, then” the MBA replies, “why don’t you stay out longer and catch more?”
“This is enough to meet my family’s needs.” the Fisherman replies
“What do you do with the rest of your time?” the MBA asks.
“I play with my kids and do a little fishing and take a siesta with my wife. And in the evenings I walk downtown and I play guitar and sip beer with my amigos. I have a very full life.” the Fisherman tells him.
“But if you stay out longer and catch more fish you can make more profit.” The MBA tells him “And with that profit you can buy a bigger boat. And hire a crew. And catch even more fish and make even more money. Eventually you won’t even need the middle man. You’ll sell your fish directly on the market. You can even buy your own can plant. You’ll control the product — and profits — from catching to the supermarket shelves. You’ll leave this village and run your business from Mexico City and LA and eventually NYC. ”
“How long will this take, Senor?” the Fisherman asks.
“15 – 20 years,” the MBA tells him “And you’ll make millions!”
“Millions? And then what, Senor?” the Fisherman asks.
“Then,” says the MBA “you’ll move to a tiny fishing village on the coast play with your kids, do a little fishing and take a siesta with your wife. And in the evenings you’ll walk downtown and play guitar and sip beer with your amigos…”
I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with striving for better — or even best — as long as the motivation for doing so makes sense. Lots of times though I think people miss what is right in front of them because they’re too busy striving for something to see that they already have it.
Diana recently posted: From OOH- Pak Choy and Spring Plans
Twitter: diana_prichard
February 14, 2011 at 2:36 pm
“I don’t think there’s nothing wrong”??? And I call myself a writer. Eeesh! LOL!