"肉が多ければ多いほど虫が多い。財産が多ければ多いほど不安が多い。妻が多ければ多いほど魔術が多い。女中が多ければ多いほど不貞が多い。奴隷が多ければ多いほど盗みが多い。"

This quote gets right to the heart of one profound idea: excess isn't as rosy as it seems. It points out that having too much of something often leads to unforeseen problems. In essence, it’s a nod to the age-old wisdom that more isn’t always better and that simplicity often brings peace.

Now, let's dive into why someone might say this. Imagine you're living in ancient times, surrounded by people who seem to be in a constant race to outdo each other with wealth and possessions. It’s a society where having more – more land, more servants, more everything – is seen as the ultimate goal. But what if someone wise – a philosopher or a sage – noticed that those who had the most were often the most troubled? That's likely when and why this observation would become relevant. It’s a gentle reminder that the pursuit of excess can lead to complications and stress, not happiness.

Consider the life of a modern-day business mogul. Picture this person: they've got multiple houses, a fleet of cars, and a handful of businesses to manage. On the surface, they have it all. But beneath this shiny exterior, they’re swamped with endless meetings, worried about market crashes, and constantly on edge about their investments. Their phone never stops buzzing – it’s a relentless cycle of anxiety. Meanwhile, their friend Joe runs a small café in their hometown. Joe's life isn't filled with luxury, but it's filled with genuine connections and a manageable level of responsibility. He sleeps well at night, enjoys weekends with family, and finds joy in simple pleasures. Joe doesn’t have excess, but he has enough – and he's truly content.

So, how can you use this age-old wisdom in your own life? Start by taking stock of what you have. Ask yourself if you're chasing after things that don’t really add to your happiness. Maybe it's a high-pressure job that pays well but leaves you exhausted. Or a desire for a bigger house when your current one feels just right. Identifying these areas can help you shift your focus to what really matters: experiences, relationships, and your well-being. Simplify where you can. Declutter not just your physical space but your mental space too.

Imagine you’re at a fork in the road. On one side, there's a path that's littered with gold and glitter but also dark shadows and steep falls. On the other side, there’s a simpler, more peaceful route – it’s not flashy, but it’s steady and serene. Which path would you choose? The quote is like a signpost urging you towards the simpler path, reminding you that it’s often the better choice.

Let’s wrap this up with a story. Think about a family who lived during the Great Depression. They didn’t have much – maybe a small house, a garden, and each other. They had to make do with what little they had, but they were happy because they relied on each other and found joy in simple things like a shared meal or a song by the fire. Their lack of excess meant they had fewer worries and a tighter bond. They didn’t need more flesh, more property, or more anything to be content. They had enough, and that was everything.

So, next time you're tempted by the lure of “more,” think about what it might really bring into your life. Sometimes, enough is just perfect.