Seneca: Wise Man’s Riches
on Tuesday, March 7, 2017Seneca Money Quote saying it’s possible to be happy without riches, even when possessed and lost – because wisdom values the moment. Seneca said:
![Riches are slaves in the house of a wise man, but masters in that of a fool. […] If one takes away riches from the wise man, one leaves him still in possession of all that is his Quote](https://itsamoneything.com/money/wp-content/uploads/Seneca-Riches-Wise-Man-Happy-Present.jpg)
“Riches are slaves in the house of a wise man, but masters in that of a fool. […] If one takes away riches from the wise man, one leaves him still in possession of all that is his: for he lives happy in the present, and without fear for the future” — Seneca
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In this quote, Seneca is contrasting how the wise man and the fool view and relate to riches or wealth. He suggests that for the wise man, riches are “slaves” – they are possessions that he commands and does not let command him. The wise man does not depend on or define himself by his wealth.
However, for the fool, riches are the “masters” – the fool is ruled by and finds his identity and sense of purpose in the money and possessions he has accumulated. Seneca further says that if you take away the wise man’s riches, he remains content and happy because he lives in the present and is not afraid of an uncertain future. He does not rely on wealth for his well-being or sense of self.