Ifs Quote by Christina Stead
“Money is a jealous mistress If you want money you must want only money. ... I must tell you the one secret of life, there is only one: everything is a jealous mistress, everything is terribly possessive, and, by God, we want to be terribly possessed if we want to get somewhere - and we want to be terribly possessed - anyhow; or what is life?”
About This Quote
The passage likens money to a jealous, possessive mistress, suggesting that obsessive desire for wealth drives behavior and defines life’s purpose.
In simple terms: Obsessive pursuit of money dominates life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance desire for wealth with other values.
Themes
money
desire
obsession
life purpose
materialism
Mood
reflective
cautionary
philosophical
Type
literary
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- career planning
- relationship dynamics
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
possessiveness
motivation
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be “possessed” by money?
- How can we pursue wealth without losing other aspects of life?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex motivations and ignore non‑material fulfillment.
