- English translation
Whoever is content with the little he has lives in peace.
- Literal wording
Whoever was satisfied with his little, lived.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying holds that contentment, not abundance, is what makes life livable. Its verb literally says only that such a person 'lived'; the sense of living free of worry or distress is implied rather than stated. Accepting a modest share without resentment spares one the anxiety of always wanting more.
It implicitly warns against greed and endless comparison with others. Peace of mind is presented as something within one's own control: by adjusting desires to what is available, a person secures tranquility that wealth alone cannot guarantee.
- When it is used
Suitable for encouraging acceptance of modest means, consoling someone who envies others' wealth, or gently cautioning against greed, often as a short closing remark.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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