--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Waste begets self-will; thrift begets…" description: "\"Waste begets self-will; thrift begets meanness: but better be mean than self-willed.\" — Confucius" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b0/confucius-164_begets_waste-begets-self-will-thrift-begets-mea_2439749.jpg" --- # Waste begets self-will; thrift begets meanness: but better… ![“Waste begets self-will; thrift begets meanness: but better be mean than self-willed.” quote by Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b0/confucius-164_begets_waste-begets-self-will-thrift-begets-mea_2439749.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b0/confucius-164_begets_waste-begets-self-will-thrift-begets-mea_2439749.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b0/confucius-164_begets_waste-begets-self-will-thrift-begets-mea_2439749.jpg) > “Waste begets self-will; thrift begets meanness: but better be mean than self-willed.” [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Excessive thrift can lead to selfishness, while being mean is preferable to being self‑willed. **In simple terms:** Too much thrift breeds selfishness; being mean is better than self‑will. Key Takeaway Balance generosity with humility. Themes ethics behavior philosophy Mood thoughtful philosophical Type moral reflective When to use this quote - personal finance - relationships - leadership - community interactions Key Concepts self‑will thrift meanness Questions to Reflect On - When does thrift become selfish? - How can you practice generosity without excess? A Different Perspective Being overly frugal may harm relationships. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Begets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/begets/) [Begets Meanness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/begets-meanness-476692/) [Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean/) [Mean Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean-self-476693/) [Meanness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meanness/) [Meanness Better](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meanness-better-476691/) [Rich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rich/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-will/) [Thrift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thrift/) [Thrift Begets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thrift-begets-476694/) [Waste](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/waste/) ## Related quotes > [“World is supposed to mean something that's self-contained. Everything enters something else. My days spill into light-years. 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