Discontent is the first step in progress.不满足就是进步的开始。
人太容易满足,就没有进取的意欲。觉得有需要时往往就成为一种进取的动力,所以有下一句谚语:
Necessity is the mother of invention.
需要是发明之本。
此外,要满足也需要基本上足够,否则就谈不上知足:
There was never enough where nothing was left.
He that has nothing is not contented.
一无所有,不会知足。
但相反的看法是:
He is at ease who has enough.
知足者心安宁。
终日追求名利、贪得无厌,虽然富足,也自然被烦恼缠绕;能满足于眼前拥有的,就是最快乐的事。这可参阅Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.
对于这两种矛盾的观点,我们又应该怎样处理呢?其实,“知足”应指物质生活上的享受而言;“不知足”就应指学习及工作上的要求而言,即“生活上低标准,工作上高标准”。