The Hindu sadhu and the Franciscan monk would applaud Roman Seneca's assertion that "property (is) . . . the greatest cause of human troubles." But would it not be juster to counterbalance this with the comment that the lack of property is one of the great causes of human troubles and crimes? Can there be contentment before basic human needs are met? Can we return to the caveman's propertyless and primitive way of life? Are not physical well-being and healthy surroundings necessary to satisfactory existence, and living decently necessary to the transition from the merely animal to the properly human order? Did not Epictetus put it in a phrase: "There is a difference between living well and living profusely"? Ought we not learn something from the sadhu's attitude of non-attachment without falling into his extremism? Should we not esteem control of thoughts and command of desires and passions for the inner peace they give to a man? In short, it is not only things but not less the mental attitude which matters.
-- Notebooks Category 2: Overview of Practices Involved > Chapter 7 : Discipline Desires > # 169
