Badness Quote by Sallust
“If fortune makes a wicked man prosperous and a good man poor, there is no need to wonder. For the wicked regard wealth as everything, the good as nothing. And the good fortune of the bad cannot take away their badness, while virtue alone will be enough for the good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: De Natura Deorum, Sallust, 1st century BC
Wealth does not change a person's moral character; virtue alone determines true worth.
In simple terms: Wealth doesn't make a bad person good.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue, not wealth.
Themes
morality
wealth
virtue
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- leadership
- social policy
Key Concepts
Ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Can wealth ever be used to promote virtue?
- How does society reward virtue versus prosperity?
A Different Perspective
Wealth can influence power dynamics, complicating moral judgments.
![“The Romans assisted their allies and friends, and acquired friendships by giving rather than receiving kindness. [Lat., Sociis atque amicis auxilia portabant Romani, magisque dandis quam accipiundis beneficiis amicitias parabant.]” quote by Sallust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1da/sallust-4191_allies_the-romans-assisted-their-allies-and-fri_297234.jpg)
