How to Read “足るを知る者は富む”
Taru wo shiru mono wa tomu
Meaning of “足るを知る者は富む”
“Person who knows sufficiency becomes rich” means that those who can be satisfied with their current situation and what they possess are the ones who can truly live a rich life.
The “richness” referred to here does not simply indicate financial wealth. It represents inner richness such as spiritual fulfillment, mental peace, and satisfaction with life. In other words, people who can find happiness within their circumstances without being swayed by external material conditions are truly “rich” in the real sense.
This proverb is often used for people who are suffering from being driven by endless desires. It is also used in situations where it’s important to convey to people who are constantly dissatisfied with their current situation the importance of changing their perspective. In modern society, there is a strong tendency to feel depressed by comparing oneself with others on social media or to constantly desire new things, but this is a teaching we should remember especially at such times.
Origin and Etymology
“Person who knows sufficiency becomes rich” is said to originate from words recorded in Chapter 33 of the “Tao Te Ching” by the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi. The original text is “知足者富” (Person who knows sufficiency becomes rich), and it was one of the important teachings representing Laozi’s philosophy of wu wei (non-action) and naturalness.
The Spring and Autumn period (around the 6th century BCE) when Laozi lived was a time of chaos with continuous warfare, where people fought for power and wealth. In such circumstances, Laozi taught that rather than pursuing external material wealth, inner fulfillment was true richness.
This philosophy was later incorporated into Buddhism and developed as the concept of “knowing sufficiency.” It was transmitted to Japan along with Buddhism from the Nara to Heian periods and was also emphasized in Zen teachings. It is deeply rooted especially in the spirit of the tea ceremony, and it is said that Sen no Rikyu also cherished the heart of “knowing sufficiency” as the essence of the tea ceremony.
During the Edo period, as Chinese learning was emphasized as part of samurai education, this proverb also became widely known. The reason it has been passed down to the present day is probably because it has the universality to question the essential happiness of human beings across time periods.
Usage Examples
- He always says “Person who knows sufficiency becomes rich” and enjoys a simple life
- I was disappointed about not getting promoted, but I felt better when I remembered the words “Person who knows sufficiency becomes rich”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the interpretation of this proverb has changed significantly. Now that social media has become widespread, we are constantly in an environment where we compare ourselves with others’ lives. Every time we see glamorous Instagram posts or friends’ success stories, it may be natural to feel “I want more” or “I want a better life.”
However, precisely because we live in such times, the concept of “knowing sufficiency” is beginning to take on new meaning. The reason the minimalist lifestyle is attracting attention is probably because more people are emphasizing spiritual richness over material wealth.
On the other hand, in modern times, not a few people misunderstand “knowing sufficiency” as “having no ambition” or “being content with the status quo.” Originally, this proverb does not deny effort or growth, but teaches the importance of sensitivity to notice happiness in this very moment.
With the development of technology, we have gained more choices than ever before imaginable. However, research results show that having too many choices actually makes it harder to obtain satisfaction. In such modern times, the ancient wisdom of “knowing sufficiency” is being reevaluated as a new skill for surviving the information-overloaded era.
When AI Hears This
The shocking statistic that approximately 70% of lottery jackpot winners go bankrupt within a few years perfectly illustrates the truth behind this ancient proverb. Harvard University research revealed that people whose income doubled experienced increased happiness for only an average of 3 months before returning to their previous baseline levels.
This is the essence of hedonic treadmill theory. The human brain has an “adaptation” function that becomes accustomed to new stimuli, and no matter how much income increases, we begin to take luxury cars and homes for granted as “normal.” Like running continuously on a treadmill, we can keep pursuing more but never actually reach the destination of happiness.
What’s fascinating is the existence of a “happiness saturation point” where the happiness curve flattens dramatically once income exceeds around $75,000. This demonstrates that once basic life security is achieved, additional wealth has a drastically diminished impact on emotional satisfaction.
In contrast, people in a state of “knowing enough” activate their “gratitude neural circuits” by focusing attention on what they currently possess, leading to stable secretion of serotonin and dopamine. In essence, this is a psychological technique that allows us to extract more happiness from the same circumstances by lowering our satisfaction threshold. It serves as a scientifically-backed prescription for the “more syndrome” that modern people often fall into.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is that happiness is not something given from outside, but something we cultivate within our own hearts. Try paying attention to the small moments of everyday life. The aroma of morning coffee, casual conversations with family, warm messages from friends. In such everyday moments that seem ordinary, there are actually many seeds of richness hidden.
What’s important is not to deny what we have now, but first to have gratitude for them. Of course, having dreams and goals is wonderful, but while pursuing them, I want you not to miss the happiness of this very moment.
When you feel depressed by comparing yourself with others on social media, put down your smartphone and look at the truly important things around you. Your life surely has special richness that is uniquely yours. If you can notice that, you are already sufficiently “rich.”
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