Epictetus: Wealth Consists of Few Wants

Posted by admin on Saturday, April 4, 2015

Epictetus Money Quotation saying it’s all about perception, we perceive ourselves wealthy when we have all we desire and need little more. Epictetus said:
 

 

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants” — Epictetus

 

 

Epictetus is saying that true wealth or richness is not defined by the possessions one has, but rather by how few desires or wants a person has. He is suggesting that being content with little and not desiring excess material goods is what leads to a feeling of wealth.

By having few wants, one is less dependent on acquiring possessions to feel fulfilled. So Epictetus sees focusing on inner peace rather than outward displays of wealth as the path to feeling truly wealthy.

Birthday: c. 50 – Death: c. 135 AD

Categories: philosophical Tagged:epictetuspossessionswantswealth