2. I envy those who are dead and gone; they are better off than those who are still alive.
3. But better off than either are those who have never been born, who have never seen the injustice that goes on in this world.
4. I have also learnt why people work so hard to succeed: it is because they envy their neighbours. But it is useless. It is like chasing the wind.
5. They say that anyone would be a fool to fold his hands and let himself starve to death.
6. Perhaps so, but it is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than to be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind.
7. I have noticed something else in life that is useless.
8. Here is a man who lives alone. He has no son, no brother, yet he is always working, never satisfied with the wealth he has. For whom is he working so hard and denying himself any pleasure? This is useless, too — and a miserable way to live.
9. Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively.