Happy and content

Instead of posing the question, 'Are you happy?' what if we asked, 'Are you content?' It is possible that very few would say 'yes' in reply to the second question, though more people may say that they are happy. And that really does not mean much. Happiness is a nebulous concept, perceived differently by different individuals.

One's idea of happiness may not be the same as another's. There is no singular definition of happiness because more often than not, happiness is a relative state of mind, a relative state of experience; what makes one happy may not make another similarly happy.

On the other hand, contentment is a more palpable emotion that arises from a feeling of satisfaction. Also, all content individuals may occupy the same plane of contentment so that they are basically at peace with themselves and the world. They have cultivated the art of discerning and accepting the things that they cannot change. They are also able to appreciate what they have and the situation they are in, without carping and complaining, all the time. And they are not cynical and overly critical of others.


A Tamil proverb declares, 'Podhum endra maname ponn saiyum marundu,' that is, the mind that knows to say 'this is enough for me' has found the golden remedy that heals. Contentment is not to be confused with complacency. Knowing when to stop wanting more puts you at ease and leaves your mind, body and soul at peace. Shakespeare articulated it well by saying, 'Poor and content is rich.'