Skip to content

What's so clever about working hard ?" he said to Momo…

“What's so clever about working hard ?" he said to Momo. "Anyone can get rich quick that way, but who wants to look like the people who've sold themselves body and soul for money's sake ? Well, they can count me out. Even if there are times when I don't have the price of a cup of coffee, I'm still…” quote by Michael Ende
Download Open image
““What's so clever about working hard ?" he said to Momo. "Anyone can get rich quick that way, but who wants to look like the people who've sold themselves body and soul for money's sake ? Well, they can count me out. Even if there are times when I don't have the price of a cup of coffee, I'm still me. Guido's still Guido!””

Michael Ende

About This Quote

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

Hard work isn’t the only path to wealth; authenticity matters more than profit.

In simple terms: Being true to yourself outweighs chasing money.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize integrity over quick riches.

Themes

authenticity values materialism

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • personal finance
  • self‑identity

Key Concepts

existentialism consumer critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines success for you?
  • How do you resist societal pressure to monetize yourself?
A Different Perspective

Hard work can still be valuable in other contexts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Michael Ende

Explore all 99 Michael Ende quotes

More Money quotes

Browse all 45,172 Money quotes