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Pride is as loud a beggar as want, and a great deal more…

“Pride is as loud a beggar as want, and a great deal more saucy. When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more, that your appearance may be all of a piece; but it is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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“Pride is as loud a beggar as want, and a great deal more saucy. When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more, that your appearance may be all of a piece; but it is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Desire for material possessions can be insatiable; acquiring one fine item often leads to wanting many more, making it harder to control cravings than to satisfy them.

In simple terms: Desire multiplies when you acquire something.

Key Takeaway

Limit wants to maintain self‑control.

Themes

consumerism self‑control desire

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • shopping decisions
  • budget planning
  • minimalist lifestyle
  • self‑discipline

Key Concepts

insatiable appetite materialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate need from want?
  • What habits can curb excessive consumption?
A Different Perspective

Resisting desire may be socially pressured and emotionally challenging.

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