Psyblog has a good post about happiness from the perspective of Confucian teaching in the light of modern discoveries. I was particularly attracted to the quote by Confucius at the start of the post –
“The one who would be in constant happiness must frequently change.”
I’ve often said that one guaranteed “fact of life” is that everything constantly changes. Nothing stays the same. There’s an old story told of a ruler asking for a speech which he could use in ALL situations, and several of his philosophers and teachers taking on the task and failing, until finally, one man gives him the speech which works in all situations (another version of this story involves King Solomon looking for a ring which will relieve his suffering which he fears will go on forever, and he is given a ring with a few words carved into it) What was the speech? Same as the words in King Solomon’s ring –
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
That’s a recognition of the reality of constant change. Japanese culture holds transience in much greater esteem than many other cultures. That’s partly why they greet the blossoming of the cherry trees every Spring with such enthusiasm. (if you’re ever in Japan in the Spring you’ll see thousands of people out photographing the cherry blossom and photos of the earliest blossom will appear on the front pages of the national newspapers). To be in touch with the cycles of the seasons and to celebrate the changes between them can bring great pleasure.
A fundamental characteristic of a complex adaptive system (CAS) is that it constantly changes, constantly adapts.
The first two lessons in the Psyblog post are “Invest in intimate ties” and “Embrace society”. Both of these emphasise the importance of engagement – along with adaptation, one of the key characteristics of a healthy CAS.
The other lessons are interesting too, including “have fun” and “educate yourself” – both of which are about creativity and growth – the third of the characteristics of a healthy CAS.
Heroes Not Zombies 
Just yesterday I captured a new quote from Bertolt Brecht on change: “Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.” I think your three characteristics of a healthy CAS are right on. At least until things change!
Amazing coincidences again quotesqueen. I so like it when we hit these resonances! That Bertolt Brecht quote is kind of the same thing as Charles Handy’s S curve, isn’t it? (see my post about that)
Glad my three characteristics makes sense to you, quotesqueen. They do to me too
Hi, Doc – I’m here by way of Doc. Bibey and I’m very much looking forward to getting to know you.
I love the idea of constant change (though, given some of my security/first chakra issues, that statement seems a bit of a lie). For me, it’s manifested in the desire to learn – I want to never stop seeing new things or collecting new words or understanding an old story in a new way.
I’ve been having a lot of conversations with friends about the difference between contentment and complacency. I think there’s something in this post about that – contentment involves the acceptance and invitation of changes, I think, whereas complacency does not. I’m still working my way around it – thanks for giving me something more to think about!
Hello mrschili, welcome. I’ve often read your comments on Dr B’s blog. Hope you find some interesting things to read here.
That’s a nice couple of words to compare – contentment and complacency – I think you’re definitely on the right track with the acceptance angle. There’s also a kind of blindness involved in complacency isn’t there? A sense that the complacent person has stopped considering anything different, and certainly the possibility that anything could be better. A denial of potential growth. Contentment, well, there’s an ease there without the arrogance of the complacent I think. Hmmm….thought provoking indeed! One’s definitely a potential compliment, while the other certainly isn’t!
[…] fact, it’s puzzled philosophers and other thinkers for centuries. You can read the views of Confucius, Seneca, Aristotle…..and on down the line of Eastern and Western philosophers, and then there […]