Confucius: Wealth & Rank Desired
on Saturday, September 28, 2019Confucius Money Quote saying energy is devoted to having great status and riches, when little focus is put on why and how we become rich. Confucius said:
“Wealth and rank are what men desire, but unless they be obtained in the right way they may not be possessed. Poverty and obscurity are what men detest; but unless prosperity be brought about in the right way, they are not to be abandoned” — Confucius
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In this quote, Confucius seems to be advising that while wealth, status and prosperity are naturally desirable goals for people, it is important how they are achieved and maintained. He suggests that rank, riches or success obtained through unethical or unsustainable means may ultimately be lost, since they are not rightfully “possessed”.
Likewise, Confucius notes that while poverty and obscurity are understandably disliked, abandoning or changing one’s circumstances should only be done through proper, principled actions – not hasty or reckless behavior.
Overall, the quote conveys Confucius’ view that the means are as important as the ends, and that stability comes from building things “in the right way” through virtue and integrity rather than illicit or fleeting gains alone. He advocates an approach where success is earned responsibly and maintained lawfully.
Birthday: c. 551 – Death: c. 479 BCE