Arthur Schopenhauer: Being Sated on Cash

Posted by admin on Saturday, December 15, 2012

Arthur Schopenhauer Money Quote saying everyone believes that if they could just earn a little bit more money, they’d have enough or be happy or satisfied with … more. Arthur Schopenhauer said:
 

 

“Money is like sea-water: The more we drink the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame” — Arthur Schopenhauer

 

 

In this quote, Arthur Schopenhauer is drawing a comparison between money and fame, saying they are both like drinking sea water in that the more one acquires of either, the more one desires. His point is that wealth and notoriety do not truly satisfy or fulfill in a lasting way, but rather tend to inflame further craving and want.

Just as drinking sea water does not quench thirst but intensifies it due to its saline properties, Schopenhauer views money and fame as incapable of satiating deeper human needs and psychological drives, but rather stoking ever greater ambition and hunger for more of the same.

The quote suggests that true contentment does not come from amassing riches or acclaim, as these leave inner emptiness that spurs constant pursuit of increasing amounts, similar to how sea water consumption worsens rather than remedies dehydration.

Birthday: February 22, 1788 – Death: September 21, 1860

Categories: happiness Tagged:arthur schopenhauer