Happy or content?

[phae]

Solve an argument for me oh wise sage's of answerbank!

I have a philosophy to strive for contentment NOT happiness. My friend reckons there is no difference.....

[Bluemukka]

I agree with you Phae. Happiness is, if you like, the explosive part of contentment. Alternatively, contenment is happiness with the volume turned down Happiness is exciting but fleeting. Contentment is lasting (hopefully). Lust is to love as happiness is to contentment.

HTH's

[rampart]

I agree, too, phae. Contentment is satisfaction. You can be satisfied, for example, with your job, but not necessarily happy about it.

[Buddy]

I would go for contentment now after having 4 yrs of unhappiness in my life - close bereavements ill health and more.I remember people saying -what do you want and I always replied just to be content.I am now content and occasionally get my old self back and feel happy.

That'll do for me:-)

[David H]

Meditation is designed to bring contentment, which isn't based on any unreliable outside cause. If you have the patience to go regularly try www.maharaji.org or for a quick fix try Barry Long's cassette 'start meditating now' which is good as well.

[Scarlett]

Happy, by definition, means feeling MORE than neutral or content. It infers there is a reason and that this is an exception to the way you would normally feel. If there was a straight line, happy would be above it, sad would be below it and content would be on the line. Content= fine. Not happy or sad. Just okay!

[david small]

Contentment is a state of not wanting, the absence of desire.
Happiness is a sense of fulfilment, achievement, culmination of desire�s.
Not that i would know.

[WTR]

For what it is worth....

you can be happy but not contented

or contented but not happy

Your first aim should be to strive to be happy and contented, with either happy or contented as a second best state. That is of course if you are the type who can be happy or contented coming second !?