We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —The Declaration of Independence

* * *

I saw a friend at the pub I hadn’t seen in years. He’d been living in Memphis. He looked hale and hearty and I said so.

Thanks, he said. I feel good.

And better yet, I said, you look happy.

Well, most of the time I’m not.

I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were so unhappy. What’s goin’ on?

Nothing really. Life is good.

Why then are you so unhappy?

I didn’t say I was unhappy. It’s just that happiness comes and goes. I get an Amazon delivery and I’m happy. Things make me happy. For about 10 minutes.

I know exactly what you mean! I’ve got two dozen T-shirts in my closet.

I think happiness is overrated. I’m content.

I’ve known this friend for nearly 50 years. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been a landscaper by day and a drummer in a band at night. I never took him for a philosopher, but at that moment I did.

He’d laugh if I said so. So I didn’t. Instead I said:

Not happy but content, eh? I’m impressed. Few people know that contentment makes a poor person rich and discontent makes a rich person poor. At least that’s what Ben Franklin said.

I never heard that before. I just pursued happiness like any good American should. It’s our right, don’t you know, right after life and liberty.

Yes, indeed! It’s an unalienable right!

I came to see happiness is the wrong pursuit. It should have been the pursuit of knowledge or goodness or justice. In retrospect, happiness seems trite. Happiness is like morning dew. Contentment is like a deep pond.

Damn. I never took him for a poet.

On my way home, I was nagged by a devilish parable.

Once upon a time a farmer hit the jackpot. He reaped the greatest harvest ever. He was happy. Deliriously happy. He built extra barns and silos to store his new found wealth and said to himself: I’ve got it made. I’m more than happy. I’m content.

And so he settled down for a life of ease.

That night the devil knocked on his door.

What’s up, ole friend? What brings you out tonight?

I have a question for you.

Shoot. What is it?

What is the difference between contentment and complacency?

The farmer slammed the door.