Fear Quote by Thomas More
““Or can it be thought that they who heap up an useless mass of wealth, not for any use that it is to bring them, but merely to please themselves with the contemplation of it, enjoy any true pleasure in it? The delight they find is only a false shadow of joy. Those are no better whose error is somewhat different from the former, and who hide it, out of their fear of losing it; for what other name can fit the hiding it in the earth, or rather the restoring to it again, it being thus cut off from being useful, either to its owner or to the rest of mankind? And yet the owner having hid it carefully, is glad, because he thinks he is now sure of it. It if should be stole, the owner, though he might live perhaps ten years after the theft, of which he knew nothing, would find no difference between his having or losing it; for both ways it was equally useless to him.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Utopia, 1516
Wealth hoarded for vanity provides false joy; its hidden value is useless to both owner and society.
In simple terms: Hoarded wealth gives false pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Seek useful purpose for resources.
Themes
wealth
vanity
utility
illusion
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- financial planning
- philanthropy
- policy making
- personal budgeting
- social welfare
Key Concepts
materialism
philosophy
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly fulfills you beyond material gain?
- How can wealth serve the common good?
A Different Perspective
Wealth may still bring security.
