Back to: Jss2 Civic Education (NVE)

Introduction

Contentment refers to a state of happiness and satisfaction with one’s present situation. It is an inner feeling that is independent of external factors such as wealth, material possessions, or social status. A person who is contented feels fulfilled and grateful for what they have, and they do not yearn for more than they need. Contentment is not about settling for less, but rather, it is about appreciating and making the most out of what one has. It is a positive attitude that leads to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. In this topic, we will explore the meaning of contentment, its qualities, and lack of contentment

Meaning of Contentment

Being satisfied and happy with what you have is what is meant by contentment. Nobody can achieve all of their life goals. This is due to the fact that as soon as one demand is fulfilled, another one arises. Therefore, in order to have a happy life, one should be content with what they can really attain.

Qualities of Contentment

The following are qualities of contentment: 

1. Satisfaction: A pleased person constantly attempts to live within his means and is happy with what he can honestly achieve.
2. Absence of Envy: A cheerful person does not envy anybody. Instead, he persistently seeks to better himself.
3. Humility: A pleased person is usually humble; he treats people with respect rather than looking down on them.
4. Hatred of Greed: A happy person despises greed. He detests having a “grab it all” mentality in all he undertakes.
5. Abhorrence or Hatred for Corruption: A happy person abhors anything unethical and does not misuse his position for selfish benefit.

Effects of Lack of Contentment

The root of many problems in our society today is a lack of satisfaction. These issues include:

1. Corruption: When individuals in a community lack satisfaction, corruption becomes the norm.
2. Greed: An inability to be satisfied leads to greed. That is the mentality of acquiring riches at the cost of current generations.
3. Envy: qualities of contentment is the result of a lack of satisfaction. It then causes additional antisocial behaviours, including murder, to occur.
4. Stealing: A pers
5. on who is dissatisfied with the things he can honestly get will undoubtedly steal at some point.
6. Prostitution: Women who “sell” their bodies for money often do so because they are dissatisfied with their current situation.
7. Robbery: Some young people who commit armed robberies nowadays are experiencing the effects of discontentment. They hated living simple lives.
8. Cheating: Cheating results from an incapacity to work hard and a lack of happiness.