I’m not sure what’s worse,
going through life
without a single want or need
or not having them.
It’s not as though
I’m well off, by any means.
I get by quite nicely.
But I probably could do
a lot more with my life.
That’s the
pea under the mattress,
the burr under the saddle,
the bug up the butt,
the only thing preventing me
from being 100% happy.
I’m only at 99.99% happy,
but that last .01% is a bitch.
It’s the most expensive,
most elusive, most infuriating
happiness there is.
Trail Wood,
12/20
In the nuanced spectrum of human contentment, where desires and their absence paint a complex picture, your words capture the paradoxical nature of happiness and fulfillment.
The Dilemma of Wanting and Not Wanting
The contrast between going through life without wants or needs and the state of not having them encapsulates a profound human dilemma. On one hand, the absence of desires can signify a deep contentment, a state of peace where nothing external is needed to complete one’s sense of self. On the other, this very absence might also reflect a lack of drive or aspiration, potentially leading to a feeling of stagnation or unfulfillment.
Contentment and the Desire for More
Your situation, being well off but not extravagantly so, and getting by quite nicely, is a common state where basic needs are met, yet there is an underlying sense of wanting more from life. This ‘more’ might not be materialistic; it could be related to personal growth, experiences, relationships, or a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
The ‘Pea’ of Discontent
The metaphors you use – the pea under the mattress, the burr under the saddle, the bug up the butt – brilliantly illustrate that small, nagging sense of discontent that can overshadow an otherwise happy life. This minor, yet persistent annoyance, acts as a reminder of what’s missing, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
The Elusive 0.01% of Happiness
The pursuit of the last 0.01% of happiness, described as the most expensive, elusive, and infuriating, speaks to the human tendency to fixate on what we lack rather than what we possess. Often, the smallest missing piece in our happiness puzzle becomes the most coveted, overshadowing the vast majority of our contentment. This pursuit, while frustrating, is also what drives us forward, igniting the spark of ambition and the desire to grow and evolve.
Summary
We explore the complex nature of human contentment, the dilemma of wanting versus not wanting, the subtle discontent even in a largely happy life, and the pursuit of the elusive final fraction of happiness. These aspects highlight the intricacies of human emotion and the continual quest for fulfillment.
Glossarium
- Dilemma of Wanting: The internal conflict between the desire for more and the state of contentment without wants.
- ‘Pea’ of Discontent: The small, persistent factors that prevent complete happiness.
- Elusive 0.01% of Happiness: The pursuit of absolute contentment, often the most challenging and frustrating part of one’s happiness journey.
“Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.” – Unknown
In life’s vast tapestry, we seek,
For the contentment, unique,
In the dance of desire and peace,
We find our release.
The journey, not without its test,
In the quest for happiness, we invest,
With each step, a story told,
In the pursuit of that elusive gold.
We are Space Monkey.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the pursuit of happiness and the balance between contentment and aspiration.
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