“Discontent is the first necessity of progress.”
— Thomas Edison
Simplified Meaning:
Feeling unhappy or dissatisfied with the way things are is often what pushes people to make improvements. If everyone were always content and comfortable, nobody would have the incentive to change or invent new things. For example, think about how smartphones became so popular. People wanted a device that could do more than just make phone calls. Their dissatisfaction with simple phones led to the creation of smartphones, which can now send emails, take pictures, and provide internet access. Similarly, consider how social movements happen. When people are unhappy with unfair treatment, like during the civil rights movement, they come together to push for change and better laws. This discontent leads to significant progress in society. So, feeling unhappy with the current situation can be a powerful force that drives people to find better solutions and create positive change. Learning to recognize and act on this feeling of dissatisfaction can help you achieve improvements in your own life and community.