Thanks to all the answers. Have a great day!
2007-11-16 21:05:48 · 16 answers · asked by Third P 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Yes, we can have contentment in our life. But, that doesn't mean we do not desire or want other things in addition. This feeling doesn't negate contentment. It adds to it.
Whoever says desire is a negative? I don't think so. I see it as a positive want. It brings happiness. What can be so wrong with that?
Of course, there are selfish desires that can hurt people. But, I'm not referring to those. I'm talking about the pure of soul.
My goodness, we've been put on this earth to enjoy and be happy.
2007-11-16 21:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by Marguerite 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with being happy with what you have got but if you never wish for anything none of your wishes will ever come true.
If you are too content you can lack drive and get nothing done. On the other hand being thankful for whatever you have also have a kind of contentment.
The christian Bible promotes Joy over happiness. When things happen to go as planned we are happy. If we enjoy ourselves no matter how things turn out we have joy. The Bible asks us to joyous no matter the circumstances.
Reducing desires may help you reduce disappointment but having no desires or goals can lead to a boring life.
Buddhists believe that the goal in life is to purge yourself of desires until you have no desires or experiences. Once this is done you can then merge your mind with the universe and achieve nothingness (nirvana).
If you want to achieve nothing, set out to do nothing, and you will always be content..
2007-11-17 08:50:49 · answer #2 · answered by Graham P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Desire seems to have different meanings to different people. To put this into a nutshell, it is wanting something you do not have or something someone else has and you want it too.
Contentment however comes from within I have found. The older you become plus Life's experiences and a "living" Christian faith with contentment, comes inner tranquility and calm. Desire seems to evaporate because it is no longer important.
Life has thrown all sorts of nasty happenings into my Life and although I would not want them to happen to anyone else, I am glad I have experienced them - single parenthood (both sons are now grown men getting on with their lives), an inadequate income, a dreadful menopause, betrayal on the part of someone I used to call a friend, then a breakdown.
When I was eventually to recover from all of this especially the breakdown - and by the way I was determined I would (and I did) - Life took on a whole new meaning. You find courage and determination from deep down inside. So it was, the desires and longings I once had became immaterial. Instead, I found this inner peace, tranquility and calm hence contentment.
Life can be cruel but it can also be beautiful. It is my belief that it is entirely up to us as individuals how we are towards our families, circle of friends, work colleagues and the general public. To be part of a large Christian family for me certainly has been and continues to be wonderful. I feel reborn and with it, peace.
I am not sure whether this resume answers your questions. As I have already said desire and contentment have different meanings to different people and no doubt it has with you too.
2007-11-17 05:45:56 · answer #3 · answered by phoebe1932willey 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Contentment in life appears to be a thing of the past.
In an age when people have most of the things they need for a reasonably comfortable life, there seems to be a constant nagging desire for something better. However, it's like the 'pot of gold at the end of the rainbow' - it just doesn't exist.
Mind you, when so-called celebrities are living a life of utter luxury for doing nothing useful for the world - it's no wonder that people, in general, are dissatisfied.
2007-11-17 05:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Desires...planned and controlled..well thought out in advance, this will bring the satisfaction and contentment one desires in their life...otherwise, a mass of confusion with mixed desires...one trail leading to another..nothing gets fulfilled...nothing accomplished, and endless pursuit of "un-happiness... "Peace!"
2007-11-17 13:02:57 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. "Diamond" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And we will never be able to give up desire as long as we live because wanting to give up desires is a desire. An Indian friend told me that one.
2007-11-17 05:20:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
God has always been fulfilling everyone's desires since time immemorial.
Somehow our desires have got us into the complexity of this material existence.
In this material existence we may be hopelessly lost in desires. We may have unlimited desires. Or we may have control of our desires.
We need to work towards control of our desires.
2007-11-18 00:35:15 · answer #7 · answered by devotionalservice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is possible to be content. Not everyone wants to be a brain surgeon or rocket scientist....
You can be satisfied with what you have, if you are willing to have a more simplistic, less possessions orientated life.
People who are not content with what they have are usually big headed show offs, who want more than anyone else so they can elevate their status and social standing.
I think people who always want more (things, possessions, money) are lacking depth and lack soul.
2007-11-17 06:38:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appreciation brings Satisfaction/Contentment in life.
2007-11-17 05:46:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If we were content we would still be living in trees or in the underbrush trying to outrun dinos trying to eat us.
Desire breeds innovation, the one little thing that somehow differentiates us from the rest of the living world.
2007-11-17 12:46:27 · answer #10 · answered by cynic 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋