Chapter XLIV
(Chapter 44)

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Ko Yuen Translation

Monitorial
1. What shall it profit a man if he gain fame or wealth, and lose his life?
2. If a man cling to fame or wealth, he risketh what is worth more.
3. Be content, not fearing disgrace.  Act not, and risk not criticism.  Thus live thou long, without alarm.

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S. Mitchell Translation
Fame or integrity: which is more important?
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success of failure: which is more destructive?

If you look to others for fulfillment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself.

Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.

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James Legge Translation
1. Or fame or life,
Which do you hold more dear?
Or life or wealth,
To which would you adhere?
Keep life and lose those other things;
Keep them and lose your life:  which brings
Sorrow and pain more near?
2. Thus we may see,
Who cleaves to fame
Rejects what is more great;
Who loves large stores
Gives up the richer state.
3. Who is content
Needs fear no shame.
Who knows to stop
Incurs no blame.
From danger free
Long live shall he.

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GNL not Lao Interpolation

Contentment
Health or reputation:  which is held dearer?
Health or possessions:  which has more worth?
Profit or loss:  which is more troublesome?

Great love incurs great expense,
And great wealth incurs great fear,
But contentment comes at no cost.
For who knows when to stop
Does not continue into danger,
And so may long endure.

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