How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Line)
Quote #7
Fame or the self, which is dearer?
The self or wealth, which is greater?
Gain or loss, which is more painful?
Thus excessive love must lead to great spending
Excessive hoarding must lead to heavy loss (44.1-5)
Being rich and famous—it's a lot people's dream, right? This quote seems to be saying that it's the worst dream a person could have. Anybody who's ever watched a VH1 special on a forgotten pop star can say how awful it is to lose fame and fortune. What's your opinion? Is the struggle worth it, even if you might lose it eventually? Or is the TTC right in saying that no matter what, it'll ruin your life?
Quote #8
There is no crime greater than greed
No disaster greater than discontentment
No fault greater than avarice
Thus the satisfaction of contentment
is the lasting satisfaction (46.5-9)
According to the TTC, getting stuff only makes us want more stuff. So what's the point in getting anything? What do you think? Could you ever be content with no material possessions at all?
Quote #9
Therefore, sages desire not to desire
They do not value goods that are hard to acquire (64.21-22)
This one's echoing a lot of the ideas that we've already talked about. Here's a question for you to think about, though. Is there such a thing as being greedy for non-greediness? Is it possible for a person to desire not having desire so much that it becomes unhealthy?