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Abandon Quote by John Milton

“Wealth and honours, which most men pursue, easily change masters; they desert to the side which excels in virtue, industry, and endurance of toil, and they abandon the slothful.” quote by John Milton
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“Wealth and honours, which most men pursue, easily change masters; they desert to the side which excels in virtue, industry, and endurance of toil, and they abandon the slothful.”

John Milton

About This Quote

Source Poem: Paradise Lost, 1667

Wealth and honor are fleeting; they favor those who work hard and are virtuous, leaving lazy people behind.

In simple terms: Riches favor the diligent, not the lazy.

Key Takeaway

Value hard work over fleeting status.

Themes

hard work virtue transience social values

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • personal finance
  • community leadership
  • education
  • public policy

Key Concepts

meritocracy ethical philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you define success beyond material gain?
  • What habits help you stay virtuous under pressure?
A Different Perspective

Wealth can be lost quickly, making reliance on it risky.

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