Seneca: Riches Shut Off From Wisdom
on Saturday, July 14, 2018Seneca Money Quote saying wealth prevents the gaining of wisdom for many; poverty is not weighed-down with worries about protecting their possessions when a fire threatens. 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 suggests that wealth can sometimes be an obstacle to gaining wisdom, while poverty allows for a freer and less burdened state of mind.
He says that the poor man does not have to worry about defending his possessions when danger arises, like in a battle signaled by a trumpet sound. Similarly, if there is a cry of “Fire,” the poor man’s only concern is escape and not what valuables can be saved.
Seneca seems to be saying that poverty removes certain cares and distractions that can come with protecting and maintaining wealth, leaving one unburdened to potentially attain greater wisdom and understanding of life.
Birthday: c. 4 BC – Death: AD 65