When our very basic needs are satisfied and we are content with our circumstances, we should consider that it is enough for our basic life. However, with the aggressively developing modern material world, our desires for possessions are expanding. Although it is not easy to turn down temptations from the material world, if we pursue the endless desires of materials, we will never be satisfied; we will be tired, and we will never be happy. The reality in the material world is that we are often not satisfied with the possessions we have now, because we want more possessions than others do. Then, how much is enough?

There are the four basic needs in our daily life, clothing, food, housing, and transportation. When we have moderate quantity of proper clothes for seasons and weathers, we do not need excessive clothes. Food is essential to satisfy our hunger and maintain our health; a nutritious meal is adequate to fulfill this need. We do not need dainties of every kind. Regarding housing, we need a house suited for the whole family; plenty of fresh air and a quiet environment are sufficient. We do not need an oversized one or more. Concerning transportation, the first alternative should be depending on our two legs, a bicycle or public transportation. If it is necessary, a fair sized, practical and affordable vehicle is adequate for daily needs; we do not need luxurious one or more. When our basic needs are satisfied and we are content with our circumstances, it is enough and we do not need more because we only need one set of clothing when we dress, one meal when we eat, one room when we sleep, one car when we drive, and one small piece of land when we die.

If your basic needs have not yet satisfied and you are not content with your circumstances, it is not enough for your basic life. You should continuously work hard and carry out your duties and responsibilities with joy and interest. By doing so your basic needs will be satisfied. There is nothing permanent. Suppose you are poor now. You can work hard, and one day you will succeed. In order to change for the better, you should examine yourself and ask: How many beneficial or harmful deeds I performed today? Did I speak thoughtful and appropriate words today? Was I friendly and considerate today? If you examine yourself frequently and you are positive, you can transform wrongful behavior into goodness. You will be appreciated and respected by others. In addition, you should keep a sympathetic and loving heart. The good heart gives you great courage and confidence to help others. As you know in physics there is the conservation of energy. A good deed that you did is good energy. Absolutely, you will receive a reward.

If your basic needs are satisfied and you are content with your circumstances, it is enough for your basic life. If you are happy with your status quo, you are a truly wise person. Because you understand that if you have too much, you can not digest them all. Too much is extra for the basic life. They could be burdens, and they could be the source of worries. As you know in mathematics, there is infinity equal to infinity. Suppose that your content life is the state of infinity; you will not need more because adding more to infinity does not change the state of infinity. In other words, contentment has brought happiness, the more is extra. Besides, happiness does not come exclusively from satisfying personal desire and possession. Sometimes happiness can be gained from a feeling of gratitude.

If your basic needs are satisfied, but you are not content with your circumstances, it is not enough for your luxurious life. We all have desires and wishes. The important thing is to be able to control our endless desires and not fall into the trap of always wanting more. If you have too much desire, you will become attached to materialistic possessions. Your desire easily become greed, and it will be out of control. We should realize that endless desires are the root of all evils. If our growing desires are not satisfied, we often tend to become filled with jealousy and hatred toward others. Pursuing better life is not bad, but you should not be greedy and selfish. Anything can be changed for the better or for the worse which all depend on your attitude toward others. Depending on attitude of giving and spending, your intentions can be as poisonous as a snake or as helpful as medicine in times of illness. When you manage your wealth properly, you do not become its slave, and you can use it for beneficial purposes.

There are a lot of temptations in the material world. However, we should be aware of the fact that it is impossible to satisfy our endless desires because the world has limited resources. There is a saying, content make poor men rich, discontent make rich men poor. Being content with the basic needs we have is much better than satisfying endless desires. Contentment brings happiness. When our basic needs are satisfied and we are content with our circumstances, it is enough.