Contentment

He who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty.   — Lao Tzu

On being asked Who is the rich man? Epictetus replied “He who is content.”

I think these two quotes have the same theme. The Stoic view is that there are things under out control - our thoughts, our actions - and things which we cannot control - the external world. The difficulty is that the hardest thing to control is ourselves. Our world is filled with billionaires who continue to grasp for more while many can't make rent. Rich or poor, are we content?

Money can't buy back your youth when you're old

Or a friend when you're lonely or a love that's grown cold

The wealthiest person is a pauper at times

Compared to the man with a satisfied mind

Satisfied Mind Sung by Johnny Cash written by Joe "Red" Hayes and Jack Rho

- Bill