Francis Bacon: Riches Have Wings
on Friday, February 11, 2022Francis Bacon Money Quote saying investing is risky and it’s possible to lose wealth. Francis Bacon said:
“Be not penny-wise. Riches have wings. Sometimes they fly away of themselves, and sometimes they must be set flying to bring in more” — Francis Bacon
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In this quote, Francis Bacon is advising against being “penny-wise”, which means excessively focused on small savings or minor financial gains.
He says riches, or wealth, are fleeting (“have wings”) in two senses – they may disappear on their own at times, but also that it can be wise to spend or invest money (“set flying”) in a way that generates more wealth.
Bacon appears to be encouraging not hoarding or being too cautious with money, but instead using it prudently to create further financial opportunities.
The overall interpretation is that Francis Bacon is warning against an overemphasis on minor savings at the expense of productive investment and spending, as wealth does not last if not put to work generating more riches over time.