Avarice Quote by Joseph Addison
“Most of the trades, professions, and ways of living among mankind, take their original either from the love of the pleasure, or the fear of want. The former, when it becomes too violent, degenerates into luxury, and the latter into avarice.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spectator, 1711
People act from desire for pleasure or fear of lack; excess pleasure leads to luxury, fear leads to greed.
In simple terms: Actions stem from pleasure or fear; extremes cause problems.
Key Takeaway
Balance desire and necessity.
Themes
ethics
human nature
economics
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- consumer behavior
- financial planning
- relationship dynamics
- career choices
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your major decisions?
- How can you avoid excess or greed?
A Different Perspective
Simplifies complex motivations to two categories.
