Abraham Cowley: Our Wealth Obey
on Monday, February 14, 2022Abraham Cowley Money Quote saying the point of money is not to have it control us but to provide for our desires. Abraham Cowley said:
“Money was made not to command our will, but all our lawful pleasures to fulfill; shame and woe to us, if we our wealth obey—the horse doth with the horseman run away” — Abraham Cowley
Share the Abraham Cowley Money quote image above on your site:
Short Link to this Quote:
In this quote, Abraham Cowley seems to be cautioning against allowing money to dominate and control one’s choices and behavior. The best interpretation is:
- Cowley states that money was created to enable and “fulfill” all lawful/moral pleasures and enjoyment, not to be the absolute “commander” of one’s will and decisions.
- He warns that it brings “shame and woe” if a person’s wealth becomes their master and they blindly obey it, just as a horse may throw off its rider and run wild.
- Cowley implies that wealth is meant to enhance life, not dictate it. If money takes over one’s priorities and identity, it has exceeded its proper role and purpose.
Overall, the quote conveys Cowley’s view that money provides opportunities for pleasure and comfort, but should not usurp one’s free will or define who they are. Allowing finances to dominate one’s existence rather than serve it leads down an unbalanced and potentially harmful path according to Cowley’s perspective.