Contentment and Effect of Lack of Contentment – JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Contentment is the quality of being satisfied with what one has, or with one’s situation, while hoping and working towards a better one. A contented person does not envy others because he is satisfied with what he has. He is humble and disciplined.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define contentment;
• state the attributes of a contented person;
• list the effects of lack of contentment in society.

What are the attributes of a contented person?

1. Satisfaction: A contented person is always satisfied with his possessions. He is not pushed to act wrongly or indecently to get more riches or possessions, because he works hard to better his situation.
2. Hatred for corruption and greed: He rejects the “grab it all” attitude in all he does. He earns only honourable and decent money. He does not embezzle or take bribes.
3. Humility: A contented person is humble and does not show off.
4. Lack of envy: He does not try to catch up with those who are better off through dubious ways. He believes that with hard work and patience he will surely progress in life.

What are the effects of lack of contentment?

Lack of contentment breeds many problems in our society. They include:

1. Theft: Lack of contentment leads to stealing. A child who lacks contentment may steal money from his friends in school in order to live and look like them.
2. Prostitution: Women lacking contentment are easily lured into prostitution because they want to acquire more jewellery, clothes, shoes and bags when their resources cannot support them.
3. Envy: An envious person may want to get rid of a rich person in order to have his wealth. He may turn to kidnapping and assassination.
4. Corruption
5. Greed
6. Robbery
7. Cheating

Evaluation

1. What is contentment?
2. State four attributes of a contented person.
3. Explain how lack of contentment can lead to theft.
4. List four effects of lack of contentment in society.

Assignment

Explain any two effects of lack of contentment in society.