Soren Kierkegaard: Envy Him His Money
on Saturday, December 2, 2017Soren Kierkegaard Money Quote saying youth is envious of money and believe it more important than love or creative gifts. Soren Kierkegaard said:
“Nowadays a young man hardly envies anyone his gifts, his art, the love of a beautiful girl, or his fame; he only envies him his money. Give me money, he will say, and I am saved” — Soren Kierkegaard
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In this quote, Soren Kierkegaard is criticizing how wealth has become the overriding measure of success and source of envy for many young people in modern times. When Kierkegaard states a young man now only envies others for their “money” and will say “Give me money, and I am saved”, he suggests financial gain alone has become the paramount goal and solution to life’s problems in the eyes of many.
The interpretation is that Kierkegaard views this attitude as misguided, implying true fulfillment comes from developing talents, virtues and relationships rather than wealth acquisition alone. He seems to lament how money has replaced more intrinsic sources of meaning, achievement and social standing in society.
The overall message conveyed is Kierkegaard’s perspective that an excessive focus on amassing wealth as the solution and object of envy impoverishes the spirit, and that non-monetary gifts, skills and relationships should be more highly valued among youth.