The question posed above invites us to consider whether it is possible for humans to experience true happiness without the attainment of completeness, which is defined as the state of being whole or lacking nothing necessary for perfection. While some may argue that this desire for wholeness is integral to achieving satisfaction in life, others suggest that embracing one's imperfections and finding joy in the present moment can lead to greater levels of contentment. In order to explore this idea further, let us examine the concept of happiness through the lens of various philosophies and scientific studies.
Philosophically speaking, Aristotle believed that human beings are inherently driven towards attaining eudaimonia, or flourishing, which is achieved through cultivating virtues such as courage, moderation, justice, and wisdom. According to his theory, these attributes must be cultivated within an individual in order to achieve a sense of fulfillment and well-being.
His viewpoint does not account for the possibility of experiencing happiness outside of this framework.
Stoicism proposes that true happiness comes from accepting one's circumstances and practicing detachment from external desires. The pursuit of material goods and other superficial pleasures will only bring temporary joy, while focusing on inner strength and resilience leads to long-term contentment. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature and recognizing that nothing lasts forever, including our own lives.
Scientific research has also examined the relationship between completeness and happiness. Studies have found that individuals who experience positive emotions, such as gratitude and optimism, tend to report higher levels of overall well-being than those who focus solely on their flaws and shortcomings.
Mindfulness meditation practices have been shown to reduce rumination and increase feelings of calm and serenity, even when faced with difficult situations.
Some argue that the desire for wholeness is essential to feeling satisfied with life. Psychologist Carl Jung famously said that "wholeness arises out of brokenness" and suggested that embracing one's faults and imperfections can lead to greater self-awareness and growth. This perspective suggests that acceptance of one's incomplete state allows for greater personal development and ultimately leads to a more complete sense of being.
Whether or not happiness coexists with incompleteness remains a subjective matter. While some may find fulfillment through cultivating virtues or developing positive emotional states, others may discover it by acknowledging and embracing their flaws. It is up to each individual to determine what brings them true joy and meaning in life.
Can happiness coexist with incompleteness, or is the desire for wholeness essential to human fulfillment?
Happiness can exist alongside incomplete feelings of self-fulfilment as it is not dependent on completeness but rather on an individual's ability to accept their circumstances and find meaning in them. In fact, some researchers suggest that people who have experienced trauma may be more likely to report higher levels of life satisfaction due to their resilience and capacity for finding positive attributes within negative experiences.