Epicurus: Add Not Unto Riches
on Thursday, February 3, 2022Epicurus Money Quote saying to make someone happy, no need for more money, better less desire. Epicurus said:
“If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires” — Epicurus
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In this quote, Epicurus is providing a philosophical perspective on what truly brings happiness and contentment. The best interpretation is:
- Epicurus argues that to make a person happy, the path is not to increase their material wealth (“add not unto his riches”) since desires will just continue escalating along with accumulated resources.
- Instead, he believes happiness is best found by reducing cravings and desires themselves (“take away from his desires”). With fewer wants, one is less dependent on acquiring more to feel fulfilled.
- Epicurus appears to believe that true happiness stems from being satisfied with what one already has through disciplining desires, not endlessly pursuing more possessions and wealth.
Overall, the quote conveys Epicurus’ view that the key to a happy life lies not in accumulating greater resources but rather learning to need less by curbing desires, wants and attachment to acquiring more. From his perspective, inner contentment depends more on reducing cravings than increasing riches.
Birthday: 341 BC –Death: 270 BC