Bit by Bit - Chapter 10, Part 1

Trey Smith

If one is to guard and take precautions against thieves who rifle trunks, ransack bags, and break open boxes, then he must bind with cords and ropes and make fast with locks and hasps. This the ordinary world calls wisdom. But if a great thief comes along, he will shoulder the boxes, hoist up the trunks, sling the bags over his back, and dash off, only worrying that the cords and ropes, the locks and hasps are not fastened tightly enough. In that case, the man who earlier was called wise was in fact only piling up goods for the benefit of a great thief.
~ Burton Watson translation ~

All throughout history the chief problem with amassing material possession is that it tempts others to steal it! Often, it doesn't matter how many measures you employ to protect it -- sooner or later someone will figure out a way to steal what you have!

But here's the thing. Even if your possessions aren't stolen, you fret that they might be and all this fretting does is to create anxiety and tension. In the end, while you spend all your time and energy worrying about the external thief, you end up robbing yourself of peace and harmony!

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