The Abstract Theory of Contentment

I am neither a physicist nor am I an accountant (thank God) nor am I some spiritually-inclined guru dude who lives in Tibet. I’m just a guy who thinks a lot. More than I want to sometimes. In the next few brief paragraphs I will be discussing a simple formula to support my abstract theory of contentment.

I think it is safe to assume that attitude is everything. And everything is relative. Hence...

Why do some people who seem to have ‘everything’ feel chronically miserable? And why do others who are deprived of such luxuries seem to get by just fine - and with smiles on their faces?

The above questions illustrate personal discontent from the perspective of material possessions. But, to be clear, I am referring to discontent caused by any of an infinite number of possible factors. The key point to remember is that perceived discontent can stem from a deficiency in at least one element of a triple-element formula. ‘What is this magical formula, you crazy self-righteous scientific banker, that will change my attitude towards life?’ you may ask yourself. Simple:

MIND + BODY = SOUL

Or to put it another way:

INTELLECTUAL + PHYSICAL = SPIRITUAL

Don’t you hate it? If not for its cliché sound then for its outright simplicity and corniness. But if you stop to think about, or better yet do it, it’s true! So in my divine pursuit to enrich the hearts and minds of others with the light of self contentment, I will talk about why the above formula is so important in keeping that smile on your face – permanently.

Let us have a look at the break-down for each of these elements.

A) MIND
a. Intellectual curiosity – reading, asking penetrating questions
b. Creativity – writing, art, speech, music
c. Philosophy
d. Problem-solving
e. Socializing
f. Communication

B) BODY
a. Exercise
b. Sex
c. Sport
d. Dance


The outcome of summing both components is the soul factor. This is what gauges the growth of the individual. An increase in the soul factor must have resulted from increases in the activities of the mind or the body. However, the important thing to note is that each of these must be satisfied in their due proportions.



C) SOUL
a. Prayer
b. Meditation in solitude
c. Relationships with loved ones and friends
d. ‘Good karma’
e. In the case of Muslims, adhering to the 5 Pillars of Islam


Now I am not saying that this is the way to be happy and that if you do not adhere to this formula, you will be forever bound in the black, thorny ribbons of pessimism and misery! What I am saying is that if there is ever a moment when you feel inexplicably sad; when your thoughts and actions do not reflect your soulful wishes, consult the ATC (yes, I abbreviated it). It will help.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill