---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As adults, if our top priorities are…"
description: "\"As adults, if our top priorities are constantly directed toward the acquisition of more and better worldly goods, it will not take long to increase our..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/marvin-j-ashton-3195_acquisition_as-adults-if-our-top-priorities-are-cons_1809621.jpg"
---

#  As adults, if our top priorities are constantly directed…

![“As adults, if our top priorities are constantly directed toward the acquisition of more and better worldly goods, it will not take long to increase our love in those directions. The purchase of a larger house or a nicer car or a more expensive boat may cause us to sacrifice our resources and…” quote by Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/marvin-j-ashton-3195_acquisition_as-adults-if-our-top-priorities-are-cons_1809621.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/marvin-j-ashton-3195_acquisition_as-adults-if-our-top-priorities-are-cons_1809621.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/marvin-j-ashton-3195_acquisition_as-adults-if-our-top-priorities-are-cons_1809621.jpg)

> “As adults, if our top priorities are constantly directed toward the acquisition of more and better worldly goods, it will not take long to increase our love in those directions. The purchase of a larger house or a nicer car or a more expensive boat may cause us to sacrifice our resources and develop an unwise love for these symbols of success and pleasure. We learn to love that which we serve, and we serve that which we love.”

[Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Chasing material possessions deepens attachment to them, diverting love from spiritual values.

**In simple terms:** Loving things we own makes us serve them.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize spiritual over material goals.

Themes

materialism values spirituality

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

- budget planning
- family time
- volunteering
- mindful purchasing

Key Concepts

attachment symbolic success consumerism

Questions to Reflect On

- What possessions dominate your decisions?
- How could you shift love toward non‑material goals?

A Different Perspective

Material focus can cause neglect of relationships and inner growth.

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[Acquisition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acquisition/) [Adults](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adults/) [Better world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-world/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Pleasure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pleasure/) [Priorities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priorities/) [Sacrifice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sacrifice/) [Symbols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/symbols/) [Top priorities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/top-priorities/)

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