“The most outstanding characteristic of Eastern civilization is to know contentment, whereas that of Western civilization is not to know contentment. Contented Easterners are satisfied with their simple life and therefore do not seek to increase their material enjoyment... They are satisfied with their present lot and environment and therefore do not want to conquer nature but merely be at home with nature and at peace with their lot.” KnowsWantHomeSimpleEnvironmentMaterialsCivilizationIncreaseWesternSatisfiedConquerEnjoymentCharacteristicsContentmentConsumerismEasternOutstandingSimple LifeOverconsumptionWestern Civilization Author:Hu Shih
“If laying aside all worldly Greatness and Vain-Glory, I should be ask'd where I thought it was most probable that Men might enjoy true Happiness, I would prefer a small peaceable Society, in which Men, neither envy'd nor esteem'd by Neighbours, should be contented to live upon the Natural Product of the Spot they inhabit, to a vast Multitude abounding in Wealth and Power, that should always be conquering others by their Arms Abroad, and debauching themselves by Foreign Luxury at Home.” IfsMenShouldHomeMightAsksEnjoyNaturalWealthGreatnessProductsArmsGloryEnvyEsteemSpotsLuxuryConquerVainMultitudesWorldlyNeighbourTrue HappinessConquering Others Book:The Fable of the Bees Source: The Fable of the Bees