proverb · Legacy record
It is better to like what you have than to have what you like.
It is better to like what you have than to have what you like.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Liking what one has preferred to obtaining what one likes gives contentment priority over acquiring a desired thing. The saying questions satisfaction based only on further possession.
What the words are saying
A responsible reading can appreciate existing value without telling someone to accept harm, deprivation or denied rights. A desired change may be reasonable, and contentment is not guaranteed by an attitude. Actual needs should be distinguished from a continual demand for more.
Everyday example
Someone appreciates a useful possession while still recognising a genuine need that remains unmet.
When to use it
Use it to discuss contentment alongside legitimate change and provision.
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What it does not mean
No duty to accept harmful circumstances or guaranteed happiness from appreciation is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
China
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 260; PDF page 30; collection label: China
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- China