Avarice Quote by Thomas Paine
““Every passion that acts upon mankind has a peculiar mode of operation. Many of them are temporary and fluctuating; they admit of cessation and variety. But avarice is a fixed, uniform passion. It neither abates of its vigor nor changes its object; and the reason why it does not is founded in the nature of things, for wealth has not a rival where avarice is a ruling passion. One beauty may excel another, and extinguish from the mind of man the pictured remembrance of a former one: but wealth is the phoenix of avarice, and therefore it cannot seek a new object, because there is not another in the world.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Reason, 1794
Avarice is a relentless, unchanging desire for wealth that never wanes or shifts focus, unlike other passions that are fleeting and mutable.
In simple terms: Greed never changes; it always wants more wealth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and curb greed.
Themes
greed
wealth
human nature
passion
stability
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- political discourse
- ethical debates
- business leadership
Key Concepts
philosophy
economics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does constant greed affect society?
- Can wealth ever satisfy avarice?
A Different Perspective
Greed can be rationalized or justified, making it hard to confront.
