CONTENTMENT

A word that is not often heard in the modern west. Technically, it should be one of the virtues of life, but in reality, we tend to consider it as a dark sin. We become reluctant to say its name. There is an element of validity in this, as carried to excess it becomes laziness and irresponsibility.

Yet most psychiatrists whose business it is to patch up the wreckage from the highway of modern living would probably agree that a reasonable “dose” of contentment would be excellent medicine for most of us. Many parts of the world have, at one stage or other in their history, expressed admiration for western culture, only to become disillusioned. A good example is the Chinese thinker Yen Fu (who was partly educated in Edinburgh). He contributed much in bringing western thought to China through his translations of books by leading western authors including John Stuart Mill and Adam Smith. But he too became disillusioned and wrote:

“It seems to me that in several centuries of progress, the people

of the west have achieved four principles: to be selfish,

to kill others, to have little integrity and to feel little shame”.

Perhaps this is a little harsh, but it does seem to me to have elements of truth. Whilst not wishing to idealise the traditional Chinese way of life, contentment has been regarded as something inherent in their lifestyle. Balance and poise are the hallmarks of Yen Fu’s culture. It shows itself in what I would call “quiet assurance” that is not assertive (as in the western concept of pride) – it is an enviable quality.

Maybe, we in the west can (and indeed should) learn a lot from becoming more content, to take time and find enjoyment in those things we often overlook or take for granted – the dramatic unfolding of one’s life, a bird, a flower or even in peace itself. We need to start understanding that tomorrow never comes and to enjoy – with contentment – the here and now; reduce the unhealthy level of competition (but not to live in stagnation) and focus on improving quality rather than the relentless pursuit of quantity.

If these words shock you, I am both sad and happy. Sad, since they should come as no big surprise; happy, since hopefully they will make you better understand the path we need to follow in the future.

Until next time (and happy in my skin),

Peripatetic Scribe