“ Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | joy contentment possession |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“Success of failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
45 True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself.
True fullness seems empty, yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked.” source
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
45 True perfection seems imperfect, yet it is perfectly itself.
True fullness seems empty, yet it is fully present. True straightness seems crooked.” source
Meaning and analysis
