Abraham Cowley: Money Made
on Wednesday, September 23, 2020Abraham Cowley Money Quote saying we should be ashamed of focusing on wealth and how it can entertain us. Abraham Cowley said:
“Money was made, not to command our will, But all our lawful pleasures to fulfil. Shame and woe to us, if we our wealth obey; The horse doth with the horseman away” — Abraham Cowley
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In this quote, Abraham Cowley seems to be cautioning against allowing money to dominate one’s choices and identity. By stating that money “was made, not to command our will, But all our lawful pleasures to fulfil”, Cowley implies wealth should enhance life but not dictate it. His additional comment that “Shame and woe to us, if we our wealth obey; The horse doth with the horseman away” conveys the perspective that becoming enslaved to one’s riches is demeaning, like a horse controlled by its rider.
The quote portrays Cowley’s view that financial means are meant to augment enjoyment of life’s rewards, not rule one’s interests or sense of self. Overall, he appears to be advocating maintaining independence from money’s influence so that personal fulfillment, not accumulation, remains the priority despite any wealth attained.
Birthday: 1618 – July 28, 1667