Good luck Quote by Herodotus
““Great wealth can make a man no happier than moderate means, unless he has the luck to continue in propsperity to the end. Many very rich men have been unfortunate, and many with a modest competence have had good luck. The former are better off than the latter in two respects only, whereas the poor but lucky man has the advantage in many ways; for though the rich have the means to satisfy their appetites and to bear calamities, and the poor have not, the poor, if they are lucky, are more likely to keep clear of trouble, and will have besides the blessings of a sound body, health, freedom from trouble, fine children, and good looks. Now if a man thus favoured died as he has lived, he will be just the one you are looking for: the only sort of person who deserves to be called happy. But mark this: until he is dead, keep the word “happy” in reserve. Till then, he is not happy, but only lucky.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Histories, Book 1, c. 440 BC
Wealth alone does not guarantee happiness; only luck and health bring true contentment, and happiness is only certain after death.
In simple terms: Riches don’t ensure happiness; luck and health do.
Key Takeaway
Don’t equate wealth with happiness.
Themes
wealth
luck
health
happiness
fortune
Mood
contemplative
neutral
Type
aphilosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- financial planning
- health maintenance
- risk assessment
- life satisfaction
- legacy planning
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
ancient wisdom
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on wealth for happiness?
- How does luck influence your well‑being?
A Different Perspective
Wealth can create new without guaranteeing lasting happiness.
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