Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Can’t Afford Poor

Posted by admin on Saturday, October 8, 2016

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Money Quote saying that being poor means our desires are bigger than our current income. Jean-Jacques Rousseau said:
 

 

“Every time we seek something that we can’t afford, we can be counted as poor, how much money we may actually have” — Jean-Jacques Rousseau

 

 

This quote from philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau is conveying that true wealth is not solely defined by the amount of money or possessions one has. Rather, it’s about living within one’s means and not constantly desiring things that are beyond one’s financial capabilities.

The quote suggests that even if someone earns a high income or has significant assets, if they are always wanting more and coveting goods they realistically cannot afford, then in an important sense they remain “poor.” True affluence, according to Rousseau, involves being content with one’s circumstances and avoiding the mindset of always needing more.

So the quote aims to reframe how we should think about wealth and poverty – the measure is not just dollar amounts but also having prudent spending habits aligned with one’s actual financial resources and situation.

Birthday: June 28, 1712 – Death: July 2, 1778

Categories: frugality Tagged:affordjean-jacques rousseaupoor