Arthur Schopenhauer: Wealth Thirst
on Wednesday, February 26, 2020Arthur Schopenhauer Money Quote saying that gaining more wealth is counter-intuitive in that we think our thirst for it will be satisfied, but it is increased. Arthur Schopenhauer said:
“Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame” — Arthur Schopenhauer
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In this quote, Arthur Schopenhauer seems to be conveying that pursuing wealth and fame can be an endless, unsatisfying pursuit similar to quenching thirst with seawater.
By comparing wealth and fame to drinking seawater, which only intensifies thirst instead of satisfying it, Schopenhauer implies that amassing riches or renown does little to fulfill deeper human needs and may actually increase desires rather than diminishing them.
The quote conveys Schopenhauer’s perspective that wealth and acclaim are not truly satisfying on their own, as gaining more only breeds further craving rather than sating the soul, in a manner akin to drinking salt water which dehydrates instead of hydrating.
Overall, Schopenhauer appears to be arguing that wealth and fame provide fleeting satisfaction at best, and at worst intensify longing for more of the same as they fail to quench existential longing in a lasting way due to their inability to directly address humanity’s profound psychological and spiritual needs beyond superficial wants.
Birthday: February 22, 1788 – Death: September 21, 1860