If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wealth alone does not deserve praise; how it is used matters more.
- In plain terms
- Judge people by how they spend money, not how much they have.
- What can you take from it?
- Character is shown in how wealth is used.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes wealth virtuous?
- How do you judge success?
Another view
Accumulating wealth often requires skill regardless of use.
More from Socrates
I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.
Permalink to quote #58 If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart.
Permalink to quote #60 I was afraid that by observing objects with my eyes and trying to comprehend them with each of my other senses I might blind my soul altogether.
Permalink to quote #57
Related quotes
One should judge a man mainly from his depravities. Virtues can be faked. Depravities are real.
Klaus KinskiKlaus Kinski quote #1 A wikked tonge wol alway deme amis.
John LydgateJohn Lydgate quote #1 Peu de bipedes depuis Adam ont merite le nom d'homme.
Marguerite YourcenarMarguerite Yourcenar quote #3