Seneca: Poverty is Free from Care
on Wednesday, March 9, 2016Seneca Money Quote saying riches often prevent men from gaining wisdom and poverty attends only to immediate needs. Seneca said:
“Riches have shut off many a man from the attainment of wisdom; poverty is unburdened and free from care. When the trumpet sounds, the poor man knows that he is not being attacked; when there is a cry of ‘Fire,’ he only seeks a way of escape, and does not ask what he can save” — Seneca
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In this quote, Seneca is contrasting the effects of riches and poverty on gaining wisdom. He suggests that riches can distract or “shut off” a man from attaining wisdom, as wealth often brings cares and burdens.
Meanwhile, poverty leaves one “unburdened and free from care.” When faced with dangers like attacks or fires, the poor man’s only concerns are escape and survival, without worries over saving possessions or wealth.
So Seneca implies that poverty may better allow one to focus on wisdom, without the distractions and cares that often come with riches.
Birthday: c. 4 BC – AD 65