All things Quote by Dogen
“Understand clearly that when a great need appears a great use appears also; when there is small need there is small use; it is obvious, then, that full use is made of all things at all times according to the necessity thereof.”
About This Quote
Source Sutra: Shobogenzo, 13th century
Recognizes that the scale of resources matches the scale of need; abundance and scarcity are relative to necessity.
In simple terms: Needs determine how much is used.
Key Takeaway
Match resources to real needs.
Themes
necessity
resource allocation
balance
Mood
contemplative
reflective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- environmental policy
- personal finance
- community sharing
Key Concepts
Stoicism
Buddhist economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess true need versus perceived need?
- What happens when needs are misaligned with resources?
A Different Perspective
May overlook ethical considerations of distribution.
