Contentedness

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⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-11

It is tempting to consider the above verse as speaking directly to our generation. After all, amidst a culture of free - market capitalism, hedonism and mass consumerism, it all too easy to succumb to comparison, relentless pursuit and greed.

The verse, however, was written around 2,000 years ago, and the author was addressing a plague which has affected all of humanity, not just those in a specific era. All throughout history, greed, selfish-gain and material pursuit has characterised humanity. Such ambitions have done little to quell humanity’s quest for purpose, rather it has forged a discontentedness which leaves us restless and wanting.

No matter your religious convictions, surely you can agree with the principle that we are born empty-handed and depart the earth the same way. Granted, some enjoy significant inheritances, but the point is that this can ultimately be taken away, and that our approach should be to value our inherent humanity rather than the pursuit of things.

Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty – Socrates

As a keen student of humanity, Socrates recognised that the pursuit of luxury simply papers over the cracks. If we express a desire for such a lifestyle, it suggests a deficiency somewhere in our psyche, a grasping for something that we think can satisfy our inner impatience.

That is why we should consider contentment as the highest form of humanity and look to develop our mindset accordingly. Now, contentment does not mean to say that we must accept squalor or impossible situations, but rather we should grow to fashion a mindset not dependent on accumulation. Being a human itself carries great burdens and great blessings without the weight of running a mini-empire of superfluous objectifications.

Many great minds have stared humanity deep in the eyes and recognised that the correct path is not vain-pursuit, but instead in a quiet contentedness. This is how2behuman.