The Story
English
Laozi wrote: "He who knows contentment is rich." Not rich in money, not rich in power — rich in the only way that matters: rich in the ability to stop wanting.
The phrase "知足常乐" (know contentment, always be happy) became the Daoist prescription for the good life. It is not about settling for less — it is about recognizing when you have enough.
中文
知足者富。
Original Classical Chinese · 原文
知足者富。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
The one who always wants more is always poor. The one who knows when to stop is always rich.
Laozi's concept of "enough" is radical in any era — and especially in ours. It does not say "do not want" — it says "know when to stop wanting." The distinction is crucial: desire is natural; the inability to satisfy it is the problem.