Cease Quote by Samuel Johnson
“To purchase Heaven has gold the power? Can gold remove the mortal hour? In life can love be bought with gold? Are friendship's pleasures to be sold? No--all that's worth a wish--a thought, Fair virtue gives unbribed, unbought. Cease then on trash thy hopes to bind, Let nobler views engage thy mind.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Vanity of Human Wishes, 1749
The poem questions whether material wealth can buy love, virtue, or happiness, concluding that true worth lies in thoughts and moral integrity, not gold.
In simple terms: We cannot buy love or virtue with money.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize inner values over material gain.
Themes
materialism
ethics
human nature
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- financial decisions
- career choices
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
philosophy
morality
value theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What values do you cherish beyond wealth?
- How do you measure true worth?
A Different Perspective
Money cannot replace genuine virtue or emotional fulfillment.
