--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's silly to have as one's sole object…" description: "\"It's silly to have as one's sole object in life just making money, accumulating wealth. I work because I enjoy what I'm doing, and the fact that I make..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/168/johnny-carson-2644_accumulating-wealth_it-s-silly-to-have-as-one-s-sole-object_19859.png" --- # It's silly to have as one's sole object in life just… ![“It's silly to have as one's sole object in life just making money, accumulating wealth. I work because I enjoy what I'm doing, and the fact that I make money at it - big money - is a fine-and-dandy side fact. Money gives me just one big thing that's really important, and that's the freedom of not…” quote by Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/168/johnny-carson-2644_accumulating-wealth_it-s-silly-to-have-as-one-s-sole-object_19859.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/168/johnny-carson-2644_accumulating-wealth_it-s-silly-to-have-as-one-s-sole-object_19859.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/168/johnny-carson-2644_accumulating-wealth_it-s-silly-to-have-as-one-s-sole-object_19859.png) > “It's silly to have as one's sole object in life just making money, accumulating wealth. I work because I enjoy what I'm doing, and the fact that I make money at it - big money - is a fine-and-dandy side fact. Money gives me just one big thing that's really important, and that's the freedom of not having to worry about money. I'm concerned about values - moral, ethical, human values - my own, other people's, the country's, the world's values. Having money now gives me the freedom to worry about the things that really matter.” [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Money is a means to secure freedom, allowing focus on ethical and societal concerns rather than being an end in itself. **In simple terms:** Wealth enables freedom to pursue values. Key Takeaway Freedom from financial anxiety fuels higher purpose. Themes values freedom purpose wealth ethics Mood reflective motivated Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career choices - philanthropy - policy advocacy - personal development Key Concepts financial independence moral responsibility personal fulfillment Practical Applications - career counseling - financial planning Questions to Reflect On - How does financial security influence ethical decision‑making? - What values become possible when money is not a constraint? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Accumulating wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accumulating-wealth/) [Big things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/big-things/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Human values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-values/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Making money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/making-money/) [Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/money/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Silly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/silly/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) [Worry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worry/) ## Related quotes > [Money gives me just one big thing that's really important, and that's the freedom of not having to worry about money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/money-gives-me-just-one-big-thing-that-s-really-important-and-that-s/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [I have no use for eight houses, 88 cars and 500 suits. I can't eat but one steak at a time. I don't want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-have-no-use-for-eight-houses-88-cars-and-500-suits-i-can-t-eat-but/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Where large sums of money are concerned, it is advisable to trust nobody.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/agatha-christie/where-large-sums-of-money-are-concerned-it-is-advisable-to-trust/) [Agatha Christie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/agatha-christie/) > [Most people are squeamish about saying how much they earn, but in medicine the situation seems especially fraught. Doctors aren't supposed to be in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/atul-gawande/most-people-are-squeamish-about-saying-how-much-they-earn-but-in/) [Atul Gawande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/atul-gawande/) > [“Plastic surgeons in Conroe, TX understand that times are tough as far as money is concerned. They know that a prospective patient may not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/plastic-surgeons-in-conroe-tx-understand-that-times-are-tough-as-far/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I work because I enjoy what I'm doing, and the fact that I make money at it - big money - is a fine-and-dandy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-work-because-i-enjoy-what-i-m-doing-and-the-fact-that-i-make-money/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [The Future of Money: Creating New Wealth, Work, and a Wiser World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-lietaer/the-future-of-money-creating-new-wealth-work-and-a-wiser-world/) [Bernard Lietaer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-lietaer/) > [This administration and the leadership in Congress appear to be intent on valuing wealth over work, thereby placing working families at a distinct disadvantage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-bishop/this-administration-and-the-leadership-in-congress-appear-to-be/) [Tim Bishop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-bishop/) > [Given that all our lives rest on work that defines us, the business of labor, the wealth that work manifests itself to, I find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neel-mukherjee/given-that-all-our-lives-rest-on-work-that-defines-us-the-business-of/) [Neel Mukherjee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neel-mukherjee/) > [The social world is transforming the way we create wealth, work, learn, play, raise our children, and probably the way we think.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-tapscott/the-social-world-is-transforming-the-way-we-create-wealth-work-learn/) [Don Tapscott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-tapscott/) > [There are three ways by which an individual can get wealth-by work, by gift, and by theft. And, clearly, the reasons why the workers…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-george/there-are-three-ways-by-which-an-individual-can-get-wealth-by-work-by/) [Henry George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-george/) > [Those fortunate to achieve great wealth should put it to work for the good of humanity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-allen/those-fortunate-to-achieve-great-wealth-should-put-it-to-work-for-the/) [Paul Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-allen/) > [There are only three ways by which any individual can get wealth — by work, by gift or by theft. And, clearly, the reason…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-george/there-are-only-three-ways-by-which-any-individual-can-get-wealth-by/) [Henry George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-george/) > [What does "living your best life" mean to you? Does it mean accumulating wealth and fulfilling all your material wants? Or, does it mean…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rod-stryker/what-does-living-your-best-life-mean-to-you-does-it-mean-accumulating/) [Rod Stryker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rod-stryker/) > [My experience indicates that most people who've accumulated a great deal of wealth haven't had that as their goal at all. Wealth is only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-milken/my-experience-indicates-that-most-people-who-ve-accumulated-a-great/) [Michael Milken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-milken/) ## More by Johnny Carson > [The only issue cash presents you is the independence of not stressing about funds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/the-only-issue-cash-presents-you-is-the-independence-of-not-stressing/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [ I can empathize with President \[George Bush\]. I know what it feels like having a young guy waiting around for you to keel over. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-can-empathize-with-president-george-bush-i-know-what-it-feels-like/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [From the time I was a little kid, I was always shy. Performing was when I was outgoing. So I guess I am a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/from-the-time-i-was-a-little-kid-i-was-always-shy-performing-was-when/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [ I'm often asked, "What is your favorite moment during the 30 years you hosted \[The Tonight Show\]?" I really don't have just one. The… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-m-often-asked-what-is-your-favorite-moment-during-the-30-years-you/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [For days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/for-days-after-death-hair-and-fingernails-continue-to-grow-but-phone/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Money gives me just one big thing that's really important, and that's the freedom of not having to worry about money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/money-gives-me-just-one-big-thing-that-s-really-important-and-that-s/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [In Hollywood if you don't have a shrink, people think you're crazy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/in-hollywood-if-you-don-t-have-a-shrink-people-think-you-re-crazy/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Ronald Reagan just signed the new tax law. But I think he was in Hollywood too long. He signed it, 'Best wishes, Ronald Reagan.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/ronald-reagan-just-signed-the-new-tax-law-but-i-think-he-was-in/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [The good news is that the president gets another chance. The bad news is that he'll be two weeks older.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/the-good-news-is-that-the-president-gets-another-chance-the-bad-news/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Anytime four New Yorkers get into a cab together without arguing, a bank robbery has just taken place.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/anytime-four-new-yorkers-get-into-a-cab-together-without-arguing-a/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/for-three-days-after-death-hair-and-fingernails-continue-to-grow-but/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Democracy means free television, not good television, but free.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/democracy-means-free-television-not-good-television-but-free/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-know-a-man-who-gave-up-smoking-drinking-sex-and-rich-food-he-was/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Never ask your wife if she still hears from her old pimp.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/never-ask-your-wife-if-she-still-hears-from-her-old-pimp/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [I can't say I ever wanted to become an entertainer. I already was one, sort of-around the house, at school, doing my magic tricks,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-can-t-say-i-ever-wanted-to-become-an-entertainer-i-already-was-one/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) [Explore all 156 Johnny Carson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) ## More Accumulating wealth quotes > [My experience indicates that most people who've accumulated a great deal of wealth haven't had that as their goal at all. Wealth is only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-milken/my-experience-indicates-that-most-people-who-ve-accumulated-a-great/) [Michael Milken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-milken/) > [What does "living your best life" mean to you? Does it mean accumulating wealth and fulfilling all your material wants? Or, does it mean…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rod-stryker/what-does-living-your-best-life-mean-to-you-does-it-mean-accumulating/) [Rod Stryker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rod-stryker/) > [If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/if-i-knew-a-miser-who-gave-up-every-kind-of-comfortable-living-all/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) > [The unrestricted competition so commonly advocated does not leave us the survival of the fittest. The unscrupulous succeed best in accumulating wealth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rutherford-b-hayes/the-unrestricted-competition-so-commonly-advocated-does-not-leave-us/) [Rutherford B. Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rutherford-b-hayes/) > [“Becoming wealthy is about accumulating wealth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-richards/becoming-wealthy-is-about-accumulating-wealth/) [Stephen Richards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-richards/) > [Anybody can wish for riches, and most people do, but only a few know that a definite plan, plus a burning desire for wealth,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/anybody-can-wish-for-riches-and-most-people-do-but-only-a-few-know/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [To see poor people, their benefits being cut, to see pensions of Americans who have worked like my father, all their lives, and taken…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-giroux/to-see-poor-people-their-benefits-being-cut-to-see-pensions-of/) [Henry Giroux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-giroux/) > [I have no use for eight houses, 88 cars and 500 suits. I can't eat but one steak at a time. I don't want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johnny-carson/i-have-no-use-for-eight-houses-88-cars-and-500-suits-i-can-t-eat-but/) [Johnny Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johnny-carson/) > [Success is not a process of accumulating wealth, building mass relationship or collecting things in excess, but developing, excelling, fostering and growing the happiness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/success-is-not-a-process-of-accumulating-wealth-building-mass/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [During my 30 years on Wall Street, taxes on 'unearned income' have bounced up and down with regularity, and I've never detected any change…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-rattner/during-my-30-years-on-wall-street-taxes-on-unearned-income-have/) [Steven Rattner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-rattner/) > [Society is the offspring of leisure; and to acquire this forms the only rational motive for accumulating wealth, notwithstanding the cant that prevails on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-theodore-tuckerman/society-is-the-offspring-of-leisure-and-to-acquire-this-forms-the/) [Henry Theodore Tuckerman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-theodore-tuckerman/) > [Slow is fast when it comes to accumulating wealth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evergreen-d/slow-is-fast-when-it-comes-to-accumulating-wealth/) [Evergreen D](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evergreen-d/) > [Real Success In Life Does Not Mean Accumulating Wealth. Money Does Not Make Happiness. Bliss Is About Being Satisfied With What You Have Achieved…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pacifiersucker/real-success-in-life-does-not-mean-accumulating-wealth-money-does-not/) Pacifiersucker > [. Success is not a process of accumulating wealth, building mass relationship or collecting things in..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/success-is-not-a-process-of-accumulating-wealth-building-mass-2/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) [Browse all 15 Accumulating wealth quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accumulating-wealth/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It's silly to have as one's sole object in life just making money, accumulating wealth. I work because I enjoy what I'm doing, and the fact that I make money at it - big money - is a fine-and-dandy side fact. 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