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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…” quote by Marcus Aurelius
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“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.”

Marcus Aurelius

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.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate virtue over material gain.

Themes

wealth virtue ethics human nature

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • financial planning
  • leadership
  • personal development

Key Concepts

Stoicism moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance wealth and integrity?
  • What virtues guide your decisions?
A Different Perspective

Wealth can corrupt if not guided by virtue.

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