Which is dearer, fame or life? Which is more precious, life or money? Which is more harmful, gain or loss? Excessive love of fame and money will inevitably cost more; excessive accumulation of wealth will inevitably lead to greater losses. Therefore, if you know how to be content, you will not be humiliated; if you know when to stop, you will not encounter danger; this is the only way to maintain long-term peace.
声名和生命相比哪一样更为亲切？生命和货利比起来哪一样更为贵重？获取和丢失相比，哪一个更有害？过分的爱名利就必定要付出更多的代价；过于积敛财富，必定会遭致更为惨重的损失。所以说，懂得满足，就不会受到屈辱；懂得适可而止，就不会遇见危险；这样才可以保持住长久的平安。
第四十四章
名与身孰亲？
身与货孰多？
得与亡孰病？
甚故甚爱必大费，
多藏必厚亡。
故知足不辱，
知止不殆，
可以长久。
Chapter 44
Between a person’s fame and his life, which one does the person treasure more?
Between a person’s wealth and his life, which one does the person value more?
Between fame, wealth and losing one’s own life, which will a person choose?
Therefore, if a person treasures his fame excessively, he will spend extravagant energy on it.
If a person hoards wealth, sooner or later, he will lose it.
A person who is satisfied with his present state will not be disgraced.
The person who knows when to stop will not invite danger.
If a person can live according to these ways, the person will have peace and live a long life.
