this post was submitted on 22 Apr 2024
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Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

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Wanting nothing and being grateful for everything is true freedom (self.showerthoughts)
submitted 8 months ago by 3volver to c/showerthoughts
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[–] owenfromcanada 7 points 8 months ago

Freedom from what?

I think there's an important distinction to make with this: contentment vs complacency. They're similar, but distinct. Contentment resonates more with the gratefulness aspect of your statement, whereas "wanting nothing" leans more toward complacency. Contentment is more oriented with a sense of joy or peace, whereas complacency is apathetic and numb. Only one of those sounds like freedom to me.

In addition, I would argue that it's impossible for a human to truly "want nothing" (sorry Buddhist friends). Even the most enlightened soul would desire to see peace throughout the world. In fact, if you truly wanted nothing, I don't think gratefulness would even be possible--what is there to be grateful for if you didn't want any of it in the first place?

Related reading: the Oatmeal on Happiness