Can one be critical and find contentment?
Can one be content when it is a character trait to always see how something might be improved? Could it be changed for the “better”? I am referring to constructive criticism, not the snarky “Oh, she shouldn’t wear that dress with those hips” kind. And the definition of content and contentment is to be happy with present circumstances, how they present themselves, and satisfied with the status quo. Is such contentment a prerequisite for happiness?
There’s the question.
Must one be content to be happy? Can one be discontent and genuinely happy? Well, yes, in a way. I am thinking of those motivated by curiosity and the need to solve a puzzle or similar challenge. A theorist or scientist who is not content with the status quo in his/her field is actively (and happily) pursuing alternate theories/proofs. Aren’t all politicians happy hollering about what’s wrong and betting their future employment on their ability to express their discontent most convincingly? (Specific solutions are in short supply in such diatribes.) These are situations where the lack of satisfaction with the status quo supplies purpose and happiness to a person. So to have a critical analytical mind is an asset, a good thing. One may be a ‘professional critic’ or a content person.
But I’ve digressed a bit. As I am addressing it, I think this question boils down to a question of one’s attitude toward perfection. What is the tolerance for non-perfection? Whatever ‘perfection’ is perceived to be. And if one is always striving for the next level towards perfection and therefore never content with the status quo… then he/she may be deemed a chronic critic, or as one person put it: “deeply devoted to being dissatisfied.” Hmmm.
And in such a perpetual state, can it also find chronic contentment?
So, is the ability to be critical a bad energy or a good one? A negative force or a force for change? Aside from how the message is delivered, I guess it depends on the fundamental purpose behind the reach for perfection.
And let’s face it: perfection is an existential ideal. If it does exist, it is ephemeral. Not static. Life is gloriously, artistically, and dynamically messy — always in flux.
If you tend to reacher for perfection, can you distinguish between that quest for perfection and your level of contentment and happiness, which allows for imperfections — the spice of life, not the bane?
I am one of those. And I am learning daily to enjoy the spice while trying to keep it in the “mild” category.
