Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
True companions are moral purity and physical well-being, while true wealth lies in not craving material possessions.
In plain terms
Good character and good health are better friends than people, and not wanting money makes you richer.
What can you take from it?
Value inner qualities over external status or wealth.

Where it applies

  • seeking life purpose
  • evaluating priorities
  • avoiding greed

Putting it to work

  • practice gratitude for basics
  • avoid status seeking
  • prioritize health

Questions to consider

  • What truly makes life rich?
  • Do you need less to be happy?

Another view

Ignorance of wealth can also mean being unprepared for financial realities.

More from Oliver Goldsmith

  1. Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay; Princes and lords may flourish, or may fade; A breath can make them, as …

    Permalink to quote #51
  2. How happy he who crowns in shades like these, A youth of labour with an age of ease.

    Permalink to quote #53
  3. The bashful virgin's sidelong looks of love, The matron's glance that would those looks reprove.

    Permalink to quote #50

Related quotes

  1. I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.

    Henry MillerHenry Miller quote #2
  2. Well, my greatest reward, I think, is that I've been able to build this wonderful organization. I've been able to enjoy good health, and the way I feel today, …

    Walt DisneyWalt Disney quote #6
  3. My wants are many, and, if told, Would muster many a score; And were each wish a mint of gold, I still would want for more.

    John Quincy AdamsJohn Quincy Adams quote #6