Embracing Simple Joys: Confucian Wisdom on Contentment
7·16 The Master said, “If one eats plain food and drinks water, and rests one’s head on one’s bent arm, one’s happiness is complete. To be rich and honored unjustly is to me like floating clouds.”
[Notes]
(1) Fan shu shi: Fan, here, means “to eat,” and is used as a verb. Shu shi refers to coarse grains.
(2) Qu gong: Gong, pronounced gōng, refers to the arm, from the shoulder to the elbow. Qu gong means to bend one’s arm.
[Translation]
Confucius said, “Eating coarse grains and drinking plain water, with one’s arm bent as a pillow, is the source of happiness. Wealth and honor obtained by improper means are like floating clouds in the sky to me.
Commentary
Confucius strongly advocated “contentment with poverty and happiness with virtue,” believing that a gentleman with ideals and aspirations would not always be running around for food, clothing and shelter. At the same time, he also proposed that he would not accept wealth and honor that did not conform to the way, and that he would treat these things like floating clouds in the sky. This kind of thinking deeply influenced the ancient intellectuals and was also accepted by the common people.
In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of wealth and success often overshadows the simpler pleasures of life. However, ancient wisdom reminds us that true contentment can be found in the most modest of circumstances. Confucius, a revered Chinese philosopher, beautifully encapsulates this idea in his teachings.
Confucius once said, “Eating coarse grains, drinking plain water, and using my arm as a pillow—there is joy to be found in these simple acts. Wealth and status gained through unjust means are like fleeting clouds to me.”
This profound statement highlights a core Confucian value: “Anpin Leda” (安贫乐道), which translates to “finding joy in simplicity and living according to moral principles.” Confucius emphasizes that true gentlemen, or “junzi” (君子), are not preoccupied with material comforts. Instead, they find happiness and fulfillment in their ideals and integrity.
Imagine a life where joy is not dependent on luxurious meals or lavish comforts but on the simplicity of daily routines and a clear conscience. Confucius’ metaphor of eating coarse grains and drinking plain water paints a picture of a minimalist lifestyle where satisfaction stems from within rather than from external possessions. The act of using one’s arm as a pillow further signifies self-sufficiency and contentment with what one has.
Contrarily, Confucius firmly rejects wealth and status acquired through immoral means. He compares such gains to “floating clouds”—beautiful and alluring but ultimately insubstantial and transient. This analogy underscores the fleeting nature of ill-gotten wealth and the importance of maintaining moral integrity.
Confucian thought deeply influenced ancient Chinese scholars and ordinary people alike. The principle of “Anpin Leda” inspired generations to prioritize ethical living over material success. It taught them to value inner peace and contentment, fostering a culture that respects simplicity and moral uprightness.
In modern times, these teachings remain relevant as they offer a counterbalance to our consumer-driven society. Embracing Confucian wisdom encourages us to reflect on our values and seek contentment in life’s simple pleasures. It reminds us that true happiness is not found in accumulating wealth but in living a life of integrity and simplicity.
By incorporating these timeless principles into our lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. Confucius’ teachings serve as a gentle reminder that the essence of happiness lies not in external riches but in the richness of our inner lives.