44

Bullshit money or basic freedoms: which is more valuable?

Contentment or competition: which is more rewarding?

Fucking or getting fucked: which gives you a rash so bad you can’t sit down?

The more a rug is valued, the more painful is its absence,

The greater the finder’s fee, the more frustrating it is to lose.

So he who can’t be worried about that shit

Will avoid a world of pain,

And may long endure ups and downs, strikes and gutters.

Tao Te Ching: 44

Status or self-regard, which is more significant?

Well-being or wealth, which is worth more?

Gain or loss, which incurs more pain?

The greater the attachment, the more acute the suffering.

The greater the hoard, the more damaging the loss.

A contented man is immune to disappointment.

Since he does not covet, he incurs no danger.

Incurring no danger, he lives long, and prospers.