I delight to lodge in such temples as are not regularly kept closed. None of the gods reject me; they make me partner of their roof.
Apollonius Of TyanaRead
O ye gods, grant unto me to have little and to want nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a desire for contentment with little, emphasizing the importance of wanting nothing more.
Apollonius of Tyana highlights a profound philosophy of happiness and contentment, suggesting that true fulfillment comes not from external wealth or possessions, but from a state of mind that values simplicity and being satisfied with what one has. This reflects a deeper understanding that wanting less can lead to greater happiness and peace, shifting the focus from material desires to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Themes
ContentmentHappinessSimplicityDesireWealth
In practice
Example use cases
Using the quote during a mindfulness workshop to emphasize living in the moment.
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A man must fortify himself and understand that a wise man who yields to laziness or anger or passion or love of drink, or who commits any other action prompted by impulse and inopportune, will probably find his fault condoned; but if he stoops to greed, he will not be pardoned, but render himself odious as a combination of all vices at once.
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Never may a man prone to believe scandal be a despot or a popular leader! Under his guidance, democracy itself will be despotism.
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If any man has left us for fear of Nero, I shall not account him a coward; but I shall hail as a philosopher any man who has been superior to this fear, and I shall teach him all I know.
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If you have problems of conduct that are difficult and hard to settle, I will furnish you with solutions, for I not only know matters of practice and duty, but I even know them beforehand.
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