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If you are poor, avoid wine as a costly luxury; if you are…

“If you are poor, avoid wine as a costly luxury; if you are rich, shun it as a fatal indulgence. Stick to plain water.” quote by Herman Melville
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“If you are poor, avoid wine as a costly luxury; if you are rich, shun it as a fatal indulgence. Stick to plain water.”

Herman Melville

About This Quote

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

Wealth changes perspective on indulgence: the poor should avoid costly luxuries, the rich should avoid harmful excesses, favoring simple water.

In simple terms: Rich and poor should both avoid excess, choose simplicity.

Key Takeaway

Moderation protects health and wealth.

Themes

moderation wealth health self‑control

Mood

reflective practical

Type

philosophical advisory

When to use this quote

  • budgeting
  • health decisions
  • social class differences

Key Concepts

temperance luxury excess

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is simplicity always the healthiest choice?
  • How do cultural habits affect this view?
A Different Perspective

The advice assumes water is universally accessible and desirable.

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