The greedy man who is fond of his fish stew has no…
““The greedy man who is fond of his fish stew has no compunction in cutting up the fish according to his need. But the man who loves the fish wants to enjoy it in the water; and if that is impossible he waits on the bank; and even if he comes back home without a sight of it he has the consolation of knowing that the fish is all right. Perfect gain is the best of all; but if that is impossible, then the next best gain is perfect losing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Contrasting greed that exploits resources with a patient love that respects natural limits, suggesting true fulfillment comes from acceptance.
In simple terms: Greed versus patient love of nature.
Key Takeaway
Embrace patience over exploitation.
Themes
nature
philosophy
contentment
greed
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- fishing
- resource use
- environmental stewardship
- personal desire
Key Concepts
attachment
acceptance
balance
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “perfect gain” mean to you?
- How can we practice patience when needs are urgent?
A Different Perspective
Ideal patience may be unrealistic in survival contexts.