In my morning reading today, I came across this passage from the Tao Te Ching. It’s from the translation written by Stephen Mitchell and provides a nice grace note to what I was writing about in my previous post. Some words of wisdom for recessionary times. The fact that it was written more than 2,000 years ago gives it even more credibility – an antidote to short term thinking!
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success or failure: which is more destructive?
If you look to others for fulfillment,
You will never be truly 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 that there is nothing lacking,
The whole world belongs to you.”
Finally, I recommend to you an article called “Opening Night” by Katherine Boo in a recent issue of the New Yorker. It’s a first person account of a boy named Sunil who lives in Mumbai. It will broaden your perspective, make you think and touch your heart.