The wish to acquire is in truth very natural and common…
“The wish to acquire is in truth very natural and common, and men always do so when they can.but when they cannot do so, yet wish to do so by any means, then there is folly and blame.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human desire for acquisition is natural; when blocked, people may resort to unethical means, leading to folly and blame.
In simple terms: Desire drives actions; unethical shortcuts cause trouble.
Key Takeaway
Seek ethical paths when desires are thwarted.
Themes
ethics
desire
politics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- Business negotiations
- personal ambition
- political strategy
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you channel blocked desires constructively?
- When is it justified to bend rules for a goal?
A Different Perspective
Not all constraints are external; internal restraint matters.