Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York;
And all the clouds that low’r’d upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
Richard The Third Act 1, scene 1, 1–4
Taking the above quote as commonly seen, instead of as written, one would think the quote is talking about being discontent. But actually it is discontent made glorious. Either way you take it, it is a nice illustration of the comparison level of alternatives. (Altman, Taylor)
What is meant by comparison level of alternatives? basically that you are in one status, and are comparing it to other options you have, how much they are preferred to what you have, and the likelihood of obtaining them.
It is a theory that can explain why people with a lot can be discontent, and people with little can be content. If you look at uprisings like the “Arab Spring” of recent occurrence, you will see that the uprising was fomented by people in a burgeoning middle class. The people most oppressed were the ones least likely to revolt. It is people who have experienced some progress that are able to visualize more. If they feel trapped, or unable to obtain the more they now can envision, they experience discontent, and sometimes that lead to uprisings like the “Arab Spring.”
It can also explain events like “Occupy Wall Street.” People who can visualize more or losing something they thought they had protesting against others for the loss. Never mind that those protesting were themselves a part of a favored class themselves. They couldn’t see that, only the things they thought should have been theirs that they lost.
Discontent can lead to productive progress, or to envious destruction.
A form of discontent is necessary to work towards progress for oneself. But if not balanced by a sense of contentment about oneself, it leads to ultimately futile, self dissipation.
I am finding myself in a winter of discontent, and it is yet to be made glorious summer. The discontent is spurring me to developments in various areas of my life, areas where I see I want improvement, or additional recognition.
It is amazing, once you experience discontent, that the compliment you previously received might engender the opposite response of the appreciation the person intends. Yes, someone recognized me, but by now it is too little, too late.
I don’t want to leave the impression that the discontent touches most of my life. None of my friends on Facebook are a part of the discontent.
I have moderate discontent in my physical condition. After three months lost to broken hands, I feel a need to get back into shape. That is paired to contentment about my ability to make progress, and the attention and progress I see from Betsy in taking care of herself.
I have a mixed content/discontent with my writing. Content I am keeping the blog, discontent that I don’t have time to work on other writing projects.
Discontent got me to start Grad school. Self improvement.
My discontent is also related to the places where I feel invisible. I have been certain places too long, so the people count on me in a way that means they don’t really see me, take advantage of me. That is a situation that is hard to change. Sometimes you just need to move on, and start over. Once people have a certain image of you, treat you a certain way, they aren’t likely to change how they behave.
References
Shakespeare, W. (1594), Richard The Third Act 1, scene 1, 1–4
Altman, I. Taylor, D. (2009) Social Penetration Theory, A First look at Communication Theory, Seventh Edition Gridd,n E., New York, McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
At The Rainbow 