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Supposing, therefore, that I were to take your place now, should I gain any reputation thereby? Besides, reputation is but the shadow of reality; and should I trouble myself about the shadow? The tit, building its nest in the mighty forest, occupies but a single twig. The tapir slakes its thirst from the river, but drinks enough only to fill its belly. To you, sire, belongs the reputation: the empire has no need for me.
Source Chuang Tzu, chapter 1, §4 · 📖 Read the full passage
✨ To meditate on today
According to Chuang Tzu, the sage Hsü Yu refuses the throne that the Emperor Yao offers him: like the bird for whom a single branch is enough, he needs very little to live in peace. Today, notice one simple thing that is enough for you (a meal, a shelter, a moment of calm) and savour it without wishing for anything more.
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