…What makes you content? Vague, right? Good. Leaves the question open for interpretation…
It’s probably a bit late to answer your follower question, Julian, but I found it interesting. So, here goes.
There are many things in the world that bring me contentment. All of them are little things, like reading a scribbled-in second-hand book, finishing an essay for AP Euro, or baking a delicious cake. Still, I see things this way due to my own definition of contentment.
I see the state of being content as something not brought on by big happenings, but through more understated, everyday things. For example, if I won a million dollars in the lottery, I’d be delighted, but not content. Heck, I wouldn’t be content if I found one dollar. Contentment, to me, has undertones of finality. It can’t be triggered by a random event like finding money; it must come as a result of my own actions. Also, it can’t come as a surprise or through other people: if my teacher graded me 100% in a Latin exam I thought I’d fail, I’d be ecstatic, not content. Yet, if I felt like I did a pretty good job on the test, I’d be content. (Until I received the scores, at which point my contentment could change rapidly to despair.)
I don’t know if I’ve managed to put across my point with lucidity, but I hope at least the gist of it has gotten through.
You actually got your point across very well. I understand that feeling of self assurance and closure that you’re referring to. I suppose that “content” can be described as a synonym of “satisfied”.
Your definition pretty much mirrors that of my own. I am content when I know I’ve put every ounce of possible work or insight into something (the significance of such effort paying off varies). You should very well be content with your not only worthy, but excellent input.
Thank you for your contributions!
Julian
