Few Duties

In the Metta Sutta, the Buddha said that

"This is to be done by one skilled in aims who wants to break through to the state of peace: Be capable, upright, & straightforward, easy to instruct, gentle, & not conceited, content & easy to support, with few duties, living lightly, with peaceful faculties, masterful, modest, & no greed for supporters."

Life when it is a string of endless worldy tasks (self-imposed duties especially) which keeps us from the nobler task of training our mind and helping others. We have to be careful not to be bogged down with stuff like worrying in excess especially about money matters and save and scrimp as we fret about the outcome of our investments. We must not forget that while we do that, other beings are suffering true and intense suffering. The real investment is always in compassion and wisdom.