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Acquire Quote by Charles Caleb Colton

“Let us not be too prodigal when we are young, nor too parsimonious when we are old. Otherwise we shall fall into the common error of those, who, when they had the power to enjoy, had not the prudence to acquire; and when they had the prudence to acquire, had no longer the power to enjoy.” quote by Charles Caleb Colton
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“Let us not be too prodigal when we are young, nor too parsimonious when we are old. Otherwise we shall fall into the common error of those, who, when they had the power to enjoy, had not the prudence to acquire; and when they had the prudence to acquire, had no longer the power to enjoy.”

Charles Caleb Colton

About This Quote

Source Essay: Thoughts on Youth and Age, 1820

Advocates balanced financial behavior across life stages to avoid loss of enjoyment or prudence

In simple terms: Don’t be wasteful young nor stingy old; balance spending and saving

Key Takeaway

Maintain moderation in finances throughout life

Themes

moderation finance life‑cycle

Mood

reflective wise

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • personal budgeting
  • retirement planning
  • career earnings
  • philanthropy

Key Concepts

economics ethical living

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance saving and enjoying life now?
  • What principles guide your financial decisions?
A Different Perspective

Economic contexts differ across eras

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