If thou desire not to be poor, desire not to be too rich…
“If thou desire not to be poor, desire not to be too rich. He is rich, not that possesses much, but he that covets no more; and he is poor, not that enjoys little, but he that wants too much. The contented mind wants nothing which it hath not; the covetous mind wants, not only what it hath not, but likewise what it hath.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Contentment comes from wanting less, not from accumulating wealth; desire for more leads to poverty of spirit.
In simple terms: Being satisfied is richer than having much.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate contentment, limit desire.
Themes
contentment
desire
wealth
spirituality
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- relationships
- career advancement
- mental health
Key Concepts
Stoicism
Buddhist philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true wealth mean to you?
- How can you practice gratitude daily?
A Different Perspective
Excessive desire can drive harmful competition and neglect of values.