It was Aristotle who
said that the ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of
contemplation rather than upon mere survival. He seems to be saying quality
over quantity. A shorter life that is filled with mindfulness and meditation is
far more preferable over a mindless life that lasts for an extended period. Of course, a long life full of contemplation is preferable. So
it is the richer man who is one with the Dao and traverses the universe rather
than the man who is not intimate with the Dao and lives in a world of illusion
and confusion.
