Dao De Jing #44: Contentment

The Dao De Jing is one of the great treasures of world literature. It is also one of the foundations of philosophical Daoism. An online version of the Dao De Jing may be found here. Below is #44: Contentment.

44. Contentment

Health or reputation: which is held dearer?
Health or possessions: which has more worth?
Profit or loss: which is more troublesome?

Great love incurs great expense,
And great riches incur great fear,
But contentment comes at no cost;
Who knows when to stop
Does not continue into danger,
And so may long endure.