Francois Rabelais: Lack of Money Disease

Francois Rabelais Money Quote saying in a wry tone that those without cash are seen as unhealthy and diseased because of their empty, lint lined pockets. Francois Rabelais said:
 

 

“He was subject to a kind of disease, which at that time they called lack of money” — Francois Rabelais

In this quote, Francois Rabelais is referring humorously to a common “disease” or affliction that many people experienced at the time – a lack of money. His interpretation seems to be that having insufficient financial resources was so prevalent during his era that it was almost viewed as an ailment in its own right.

Rabelais appears to be using satire to draw attention to how poverty and not having enough money to get by affected much of the population. His message conveys that lacking funds was essentially normalized and even treated as some kind of condition, rather than being seen as unusual or surprising.

Birthday: between 1483 and 1494; Death: 1553

Francois Rabelais: Coin is Sinews of War

Francois Rabelais Money Quote saying if a country begins a war without full coffers to pay for it in full will blow up without money. Francois Rabelais said:
 

 

“War begun without good provision of money beforehand for going through with it is but as a breathing of strength and blast that will quickly pass away. Coin is the sinews of war” — Francois Rabelais

In this quote, Francois Rabelais is emphasizing the critical importance of financial resources and preparation for any war effort to have success. His interpretation is that entering into armed conflict without first ensuring “good provision of money” and the means to fund the war through to its completion is like only a temporary or superficial show of force that will quickly dissipate.

Rabelais’ view seems to be that money or “coin” acts as the very muscle, tendons and ligaments that give a military campaign strength, endurance and potency. His position is that financial readiness and backing are absolutely essential “sinews” or underlying factors determining whether a war can be sustained or will peter out inconclusively.

Birthday: between 1483 and 1494; Death: 1553

Francois Rabelais: Leave Nothing to Poor

Francois Rabelais Money Quote saying off-handedly offering to give away nothing, but only to the poor – those who have less, seems mean spirited. Francois Rabelais said:
 

 

“I have nothing, owe a great deal, and the rest I leave to the poor” — Francois Rabelais

This quote from Francois Rabelais seems to convey a few ideas:

1. He has nothing materially, suggesting he lives simply without possessions or wealth.
2. He owes a great deal, likely referring to intellectual or spiritual debts to those who came before him and influenced his thinking.
3. The rest he leaves to the poor, indicating that beyond having nothing and owing others, he wishes for whatever remains (whether money, property or other assets) to go to helping the less fortunate.

Overall, the quote portrays Rabelais as someone who is grateful for what he’s learned from others, lives modestly in the present, and wants his legacy to support those in need.

Birthday: September 15, 1613 – Death: March 17, 1680