discontent with contentment

According to Alain de Botton, Nietzsche claimed that those addicted to comfort are, "small, mean people - like shy deer who hide in the forest". I confess to knowing little of this philosopher or his works, but I do like the principle. I do not admire the scornful tone, which perhaps it implies, but I cannot deny that I abhor laziness, and that all those who know me consider me famously, almost absurdly, impatient.

That is just my character. I know not whether I could change it, nor do I wish to try. Perhaps your character is more laid back, cautious, relaxed, or reserved. Our language allows for much implications of accusation and admiration by only very slight nuances of meaning, but no judgement is here intended. Though who could deny that the hardest-won tastes sweetest? maybe this is just a consequence of our relativistic, rationalising brains (e.g. 'if I worked so hard for it, it must be amazing', or 'if this is not precious, all that time spent must on it must have been wasted')?

Even if this is so, without great endeavour there is no great accomplishment. As we know, great is a relative term, and we tend to compare our activities and experiences with those of the people around us, and with our impression of our potential self. When we excel relative to those around us we feel pride; when we do not, we shy away from such activities blaming others with the gift of 'talent' or 'advantage'. When we excel relative to ourselves we also feel pride; when we do not, we feel the discontentment and frustration that comes with not matching up to our, often unrealistic, perception of our potential selves.

In order to accomplish great things, however, we must push ourselves to meet the high achievements of the unrealistic potential self. Does this mean that striving to meet great accomplishment is inherently tied to discontentment and frustration? My, admittedly shallow, understanding of Nietszche's philosophy is that this is indeed his opinion, but that such frustration and pain is therefore a "good" thing, a necessity which provides the energy required to strive for greatness.

So why not avoid this pain and disappointment, and live a comfortable life, if you can, happy to enjoy the luxuries you are afforded? Here in the 'western world' (I apologise for using this outdated and inaccurate term), we are afforded so many luxuries; the bottom levels of Maslow's hierarchy (e.g. food, water, shelter) are almost afforded by default; if you cannot provide for yourself, the state will provide for you. Friendship, love, and allegiance are easy to come by for most, since most others are also looking for a sense of belonging. The answer to this question can be found in the same place: right at the top of the pyramid, the levels of self actualisation, we find activities like creativity and problem solving. These are activities which are usually easy to begin, and difficult to finish; activities which require a level of tenacity and which take on the metaphor of a journey, or a struggle. These activities can contain many of those elements which Nietszche demands; the adversity and difficulty of circumstance, and often contain the long-lasting reward of contentment, which the lower levels do not.

So yes, idleness, rest, and relaxation are important, just as is the strive for improvement. As with all things in life, however, the question is where exactly to strike the balance. If you find yourself discontent; then perhaps it is because this balance needs redressing?