Oriental philosophies echo Christian ethics in this regard. Rather than seek the gratification of desires, Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Hinduism all espouse its antithesis - contentment - as the source of happiness. Contentment is referring to a state of mind in which the potential psychic energy is transformed into a serene mental quality, rather than actualized as a desire that needs to be "gratified" or repressed.

As Lao-tzu warned, "The greatest of woes comes from not knowing contentment; the greatest of faults comes from craving for gains." He argued that the nature of humanity was to live in a simple and plain way, no more than what was needed to maintain the healthy growth of the organism. Beyond that limit were "selfish craving" and "extravagance" that caused man to lose his genuine simplicity and spontaneity. Therefore, "A sage is free from excessive pursuit, enjoyment and expectation." From Lao-tzu's perspective, a sage is not the product of moral cultivation, but simply someone who lives according to his authentic nature - simplicity and spontaneity. This is an integral part of Tao - the great Way of nature. Alienation from Tao is seen as the root cause of all human problems.