Nicolas Chamfort: Preoccupation $
on Tuesday, March 1, 2022Nicolas Chamfort Money Quote saying overly focusing on money is unequal in testing character, both great and small. Nicolas Chamfort said:
“Preoccupation with money is the great test of small natures, but only a small test of great ones” — Nicolas Chamfort
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In this quote, Nicolas Chamfort seems to be contrasting how those with small or petty personalities approach money versus how truly great souls view wealth. The best interpretation is:
- Chamfort suggests that for narrow or limited-minded people, money becomes an overwhelming fixation and defines their priorities above all else (“the great test”). Their character is dominated by financial concerns.
- However, he implies that money poses only a minor challenge or temptation for truly noble and expansive spirits (“only a small test”). Wealth does not consume their identity or dictate their choices.
- Chamfort appears to believe truly great individuals can rise above materialism and are motivated by higher virtues, so money does not define or limit them as it does for those with “small natures.”
Overall, the quote conveys Chamfort’s view that while money reveals the pettiness of some, truly magnanimous souls are not constrained or judged primarily by their relationship with wealth. Financial matters present only a minor test of their character according to Chamfort.
Birthday: April 6, 1741 – Death: April 13, 1794