Epicurus: Add Not Unto Riches

Epicurus Money Quote saying to make someone happy, no need for more money, better less desire. Epicurus said:
 

 

“If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires” — Epicurus

In this quote, Epicurus is providing a philosophical perspective on what truly brings happiness and contentment. The best interpretation is:

• Epicurus argues that to make a person happy, the path is not to increase their material wealth (“add not unto his riches”) since desires will just continue escalating along with accumulated resources.
• Instead, he believes happiness is best found by reducing cravings and desires themselves (“take away from his desires”). With fewer wants, one is less dependent on acquiring more to feel fulfilled.
• Epicurus appears to believe that true happiness stems from being satisfied with what one already has through disciplining desires, not endlessly pursuing more possessions and wealth.

Overall, the quote conveys Epicurus’ view that the key to a happy life lies not in accumulating greater resources but rather learning to need less by curbing desires, wants and attachment to acquiring more. From his perspective, inner contentment depends more on reducing cravings than increasing riches.

Birthday: 341 BC –Death: 270 BC

Epicurus: Worst of wisdom

Epicurus Money Quote saying even the worst of what could happen to a wise man is better than foolish and unthinking riches. Epicurus said:
 

“The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool” — Epicurus

This quote from Epicurus suggests that true wisdom and virtue are more valuable than superficial wealth or success achieved through foolishness or vice. Even when facing hardship, the wise person maintains an inner peace and happiness that comes from living according to reason and virtue. Meanwhile, those prospering through luck or circumstance alone lack the security that comes from living well.

The overall message is that a life focused on higher human goods like knowledge, justice and compassion yields a fulfillment which no amount of money or status attained unethically can replace. True well-being depends not on outward conditions but the quality of one’s character and choices.

Birthday: 341 BC – Death: 270 BC

Epicurus: Wealth of Vain Ideals

Epicurus Money Quote saying wealth we need to live well is simple to get, but keeping up with the Joneses, especially the rich Joneses, will never be enough. Epicurus said:
 

 

“The wealth required by nature is limited and is easy to procure; but the wealth required by vain ideals extends to infinity” — Epicurus

In this quote, the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus seems to be contrasting what is truly necessary for a decent life versus excessive desires that can never be fully satisfied. The “wealth required by nature” likely refers to having sufficient resources to cover basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, etc. – things that once obtained allow one to be content.

However, Epicurus notes that wealth pursued to attain “vain ideals” or lofty social standards of success is unbounded, as people will always want more regardless of how much they accumulate.

The best interpretation is that Epicurus believed true happiness comes from living modestly according to one’s basic needs rather than chasing ever-greater status, luxury and extravagance that do not substantially improve one’s life. Moderation in wealth acquisition was viewed as wiser than endless pursuit of riches and expensive pleasures.

Birthday: 341 BC –Death: 270 BC

Epicurus: Wealth is Change of Troubles

Epicurus Money Quote saying gaining wealth has become the equivalent of being poor and not a final goal. Epicurus said:
 

 

“The acquisition of riches has been for many men, not an end, but a change, of troubles” — Epicurus

This quote from Epicurus is commenting on how obtaining wealth and riches does not necessarily lead to happiness or an end of problems for many people. While gaining money and assets may have been a goal or motivation initially, Epicurus suggests that for many it simply brings about a “change” rather than removal of troubles.

His implication seems to be that acquiring riches often introduces new forms of worries, pressures, and stresses – such as protecting one’s wealth, concerns over financial management, and tensions within relationships due to money issues.

So in summary, Epicurus is recognizing through this observation that attaining affluence frequently does not solve all of life’s difficulties as hoped, and may even transform one problem into another set of troubles for numerous people.

Birthday: 341 BC – Death: 270 BC