Hikaru UchidaWhile many religions and cultures frown on greed, people in the Edo period also cherished and practiced the idea of “knowing just enough.” 足るを知る (taru wo shiru), or “knowing just enough,” is one of the philosophies that the Japanese valued during the Edo era. Literally, it means knowing the exact amount needed. After hundreds of years, the idea is starting to attract attention as it casts light on a society surrounded by many things we don’t need to live.
Philosophy of Lao Tzu and Buddhism
In 2009, Azby Brown introduced the idea of “just enough” to the world in his book “Just Enough: Lessons from Japan for Sustainable Living, Architecture, and Design.” Though the idea has since been discussed in terms of sustainability, it originally meant “be satisfied with your current situation and grateful for what you have right in front of you.” It is a philosophy common to both Lao Tzu’s teachings and Buddhism. A phrase that Lao Tzu once taught, “He who knows enough is enough will always have enough,” is also widely shared.
“Patience and compromise” are misunderstandings of the idea
Some misunderstand the genuine meaning of the idea of “just enough” because it can be paraphrased as “live within one’s means.” In a world that prizes ambition and aspiration, “just enough” may sound like patience, compromise, or abandonment, which differs from its original intent.
It is a philosophy of life that helps us realise how good we already have it, so that we won’t be swept away by what we don’t have. We can practise “taru wo shiru” in our daily lives. If we feel “enough is enough” and try to be content with what we have, we can control our material desires. Moreover, this spirit helps us stay motivated in our work. Sometimes, it may be better to consider what we can contribute with our current skills rather than continually seeking new ones. “Taru wo shiru” is a key to a healthy and sustainable life, not only in the physical sense but also in the mental sense.
The idea helps the world develop sustainably
Kazuo Inamori, an entrepreneur and founder of Kyocera and KDDI, has inspired many entrepreneurs with the teachings of Buddhism. For decades, he has recognised how environmental destruction led by reckless economic growth might cause significant damage to society. He taught that people, especially those in developed countries, should embrace the idea of “knowing just enough” and transition to a new business framework that values sustainability over mass production and consumption.
Holiday seasons are always full of fascinating things and discounts. I am not saying that we should not buy things, but we should first appreciate what we have around us and try to be filled with happiness even without acquiring more. “Knowing just enough” offers a hint for not only sustainable development but also a happier life.
