Happiness in a Bowl of Rice: The Floating Cloud of Ill-Gotten Wealth

Confucius said: Joy can be found in simple food and drink, but ill-gotten wealth is like a floating cloud to me.

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bended arm for a pillow; I have still joy in the midst of these things. Riches and honors acquired by unrighteousness, are to me as a floating cloud.

饭疏食饮水,曲肱而枕之,乐亦在其中矣。不义而富且贵,于我如浮云。

Source: The Analects, Shu Er VII, Chapter 16

Author: Confucius

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