📖 Meaning
Those who know when they are content will not suffer disgrace. It advises people to avoid greed and be satisfied with what they have. The saying emphasizes that contentment protects one from humiliation and ruin.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from Chapter 44 of the Daodejing (《老子》), written by the ancient philosopher Laozi during the Spring and Autumn period. Laozi wrote, 'He who knows contentment will not be disgraced; he who knows when to stop will not encounter danger; thereby one can endure long.' The idea was later echoed in the Book of Han (《汉书·疏广传》), where the Han dynasty official Shu Guang quoted it to justify his retirement from public life. It became a widely cited maxim on the virtue of moderation.
💡 Example Usage
常言知足不辱，你既已功成名就，何必再贪求无厌？
As the saying goes, contentment avoids disgrace—having already achieved success and fame, why keep coveting more?
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 知足不辱
- Pinyin: zhī zú bù rǔ
- Literal Translation: know, satisfied, not, disgraced
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4