Being pleased with what they give you is proper of slaves. Asking for more is proper of children. Conquering more is proper of fools.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Pleasing yourself with what you have is for slaves, wanting more is childish, and conquering more is foolish.
- In plain terms
- Be happy with what you get, but wanting or taking more is foolish.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept what you have without wanting or conquering more.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you content with what you have?
- Do you want or take more?
Another view
Ambition can sometimes lead to necessary progress.
More from Fernando Pessoa
To write is to forget. Literature is the pleasantest way of ignoring life.
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