Plutarch on Cheap & Superfluous
on Monday, March 11, 2013Plutarch Money Quotation saying the cost of non-necessities is high and makes us poorer rather than richer. Plutarch said:
“Nothing is cheap which is superfluous, for what one does not need, is dear at a penny” — Plutarch
This quote from Plutarch suggests that anything unnecessary or superfluous, even if inexpensive, is still too expensive because it is not needed.
While something may only cost a single penny, if it provides no real value or utility, then even that small monetary cost makes it “dear” or burdensome.
The quote implies that the most prudent use of resources is to only purchase things that fulfill genuine needs, as anything beyond what is truly required – no matter the price – represents a wasteful expense.
It highlights how assessing value should consider usefulness, not just monetary cost, and that superfluous items are still overpriced at even a single penny if they are not put to practical use.
Birthday: c. AD 46 – Death: after AD 119