---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is not the want, but rather abundance…"
description: "\"It is not the want, but rather abundance that creates avarice.\" — Michel de Montaigne"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/875/michel-de-montaigne-142_abundance_it-is-not-the-want-but-rather-abundance_824680.jpg"
---

#  It is not the want, but rather abundance that creates…

![“It is not the want, but rather abundance that creates avarice.” quote by Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/875/michel-de-montaigne-142_abundance_it-is-not-the-want-but-rather-abundance_824680.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/875/michel-de-montaigne-142_abundance_it-is-not-the-want-but-rather-abundance_824680.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/875/michel-de-montaigne-142_abundance_it-is-not-the-want-but-rather-abundance_824680.jpg)

> “It is not the want, but rather abundance that creates avarice.”

[Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/)

## About This Quote

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

Abundance, not lack, breeds greed; having plenty can lead to selfishness.

**In simple terms:** Too much can cause greed.

Key Takeaway

Beware of excess.

Themes

greed abundance human nature

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- wealth accumulation
- resource allocation
- corporate culture
- personal budgeting

Key Concepts

psychology of desire ethical behavior materialism

Questions to Reflect On

- Does having more always lead to selfishness?
- How can we foster generosity despite abundance?

A Different Perspective

Even scarcity can provoke greed in some contexts.

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[Abundance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abundance/) [Avarice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/avarice/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/)

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## More by Michel de Montaigne

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