"The wise man knows that it is better to sit on the banks of a remote mountain stream than to be emperor of the whole world." ~ Zhuangzi
As you give thanks, be mindful that you are practicing contentment, which in turn is the means to natural wealth. Also, do your best to be thankful every day, not just one day per year.
The first Thanksgiving in America was a feast among Pilgrims and Native Americans to celebrate what they had; there was no purpose or benefit in dwelling upon what they had not. In that spirit, I will share with you quotes on contentment:
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ~ Lau Tzu
Joy is not in things; it is in us. ~ Richard Wagner
What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner. ~ Colette
Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling. ~ Margaret Lee Runbeck
Every time I talk to a savant I feel quite sure that happiness is no longer a possibility. Yet when I talk with my gardener, I’m convinced of the opposite. ~ Bertrand Russell
Anyone who thinks money will make you happy doesn’t have money. Happiness is more difficult to obtain than money. ~ David Geffen
It is the mind that maketh good or ill, that maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor. ~ Michel de Montaigne
The world is so constructed, that if you wish to enjoy its pleasures, you also must endure its pains. ~ Swami Brahmananda
Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer. ~ D.T. Suzuki
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. ~ Reinhold Niebuhr
Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy. ~ Lao Tzu
Slow down and the thing you are chasing will come around and catch you. ~ Zen saying
People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
My opinion is that you never find happiness until you stop looking for it. ~ Zhuangzi
Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside. ~ Ramana Maharishi
All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. ~ Blaise Pascal
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety. ~ Aesop
There are three words that convey the secret of the art of living, the secret of all success and happiness: One With Life. Being one with life is being one with Now. You then realize that you don’t live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance. ~ Eckhart Tolle
Be thankful. Be content. Be rich.
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This is great! I'm going to print these out individually, put them in a basket, and invite our Thanksgiving guests to pick one at random. The one they get is just the one they need. Thank you!
Posted by: Jim Cosgrove | November 23, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Thanks Jim! I love your idea! Please let me know how your guests react...
Kent
Posted by: Kent @ The Financial Philosopher | November 24, 2010 at 12:50 PM
What a timely post Kent! I love the quotes.
Posted by: Greg Linster | November 24, 2010 at 05:37 PM
Lovely. some of my favorite quotes and some new ones! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Joan
Posted by: Joan perry | November 25, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Thanks, Greg & Joan! I also love the quotes and love to share.
Cheers...
Kent
Posted by: Kent @ The Financial Philosopher | November 26, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.This is very true. great post!
Posted by: Elizabeth @ Self Motivation | November 29, 2010 at 06:43 AM
Thanks Elizabeth! Being thankful is a key element in the art of contentment. The quote you like is from Lau Tzu, who was a great teacher of contentment.
I hope to hear from you again some time...
Kent
Posted by: Kent @ The Financial Philosopher | November 29, 2010 at 10:25 AM
I'm here by mistake. I started reading and I should tell you that your site is great. You are writing so many interesting things. I disagree with many of them, but it's OK. I will probably visit your site more often. I would like to use your words on my own blog. Is it possible?
Posted by: Financial Advisor Jacksonville FL | August 06, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Contentment is indeed true wealth. There's so much to Thanksgiving that that people today are not aware of.
Posted by: Melissa Taylor | September 24, 2011 at 03:09 PM