Why is 'A sound mind in a sound body' a short but full description of a happy state in this world?

Answer 1

"A sound mind and a sound body" is a cliché that many philosophers, theologians, and medical ethicists debate every day and have debated for decades, as well as debating the meaning of "a happy state".

Most people (wrongly) agree with the idea that the absence of physical illness or disease and the absence of mental illness or disease lends to "happiness".

The belief is, no one could be happy if they had illness or disease. However, there are plenty of "ill, diseased, disabled, and impaired persons" who would argue what constitutes "happiness".

As a nurse I have met thousands of people who had something that was "wrong" or that society deemed is "wrong", but the people were some of the happiest persons you could meet.

For examples:

1. Persons who have what has always been called "Mental Retardation" (now called Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) are often very pleasant and "happy" people.

2. Many terminally ill persons develop such a peace with themselves and their circumstances that outsiders would never guess the person is dying.

3. Many people are paralyzed or restricted to wheelchairs. They are otherwise "happy" persons who live productive lives within the physical limitations they have.

4. Millions of people live with some form of physical disability, but do not define themselves or their lives by their physical limitations.

People without physical or emotional difficulties may impose their views of "happiness" onto people who do have limitations.

Another group of people may think "if only I didn't have to deal with (whatever problems life brings), then I would be happy."

But happiness is not dependent on circumstances, intelligence, mental "issues", or physical well-being.

Happiness is a state where a person can see and feel joy and pleasure in life, despite the person's condition, state, or circumstances.

Happiness is not a continuous state, either. Like all emotional states, happiness can wax and wane. We may feel happier at times than at other times, just as no one can say they always feel sad and cry. There are in-betweens that make up the normal ebb and flow of life and of daily life.

So, "a sound mind and a sound body" is NOT a full description of what it means to attain a "happy state in this world". Instead, realizing limitations, being willing to be open to change and uncertainty, and embracing the lives we have can lead to a happier state for ourselves in this world. We can help influence others to find their own happier states, but we can neither give to or take from the happiness another person finds, just as having a less-than-sound mind or body cannot take away a person's happiness.

The sooner society stops believing such clichés, the better everyone will feel. First, those people who do have physical, mental, or emotional problems will stop feeling like happiness is an unattainable state. Second, people will stop thinking "if this was different, then I would be happy." Truth is, happiness IS attainable even with -- and despite -- any problems life might hold.

Answer 2

"A sound mind in a sound body" reflects the idea that both physical and mental well-being are essential components of overall happiness and contentment. When both aspects are in harmony, individuals are better equipped to navigate challenges, experience greater satisfaction, and lead fulfilling lives. This statement emphasizes the interplay between physical health and mental wellness in achieving a state of happiness.