Common Quote by Marcus Aurelius
“A great estate is a great disadvantage to those who do not know how to use it, for nothing is more common than to see wealthy persons live scandalously and miserably; riches do them no service in order to virtue and happiness; therefore 'tis precept and principle, not an estate, that makes a man good for something.”
About This Quote
Source Meditations, Book 2, Marcus Aurelius, c. 180 AD
Wealth without virtue is useless; character defines worth more than possessions.
In simple terms: Character matters more than wealth.
Cultivate virtue over material gain.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- financial planning
- leadership
- personal development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance wealth and integrity?
- What virtues guide your decisions?
Wealth can corrupt if not guided by virtue.