Honore de Balzac: Heart Treasury

Honore de Balzac Money Quote saying we cannot love with all our heart at once, but must save up to offer ongoing caring. Honore de Balzac said:
 

 

“Our heart is a treasury; if you pour out all its wealth at once, you are bankrupt” — Honore de Balzac

In this quote, Honore de Balzac is using the metaphor of the heart representing a treasury or store of wealth to convey an important lesson about relationships. He suggests that within one’s heart lies deep reserves of love, care, affection and emotional resources to give to others. However, if a person gives all of the “wealth” of their heart away extravagantly and without restraint, they risk leaving themselves emotionally bankrupt in the future.

Balzac seems to be advising that for healthy relationships, one must pace themselves and not exhaust all of their capacity to love and feel deeply for others all at once. Maintaining some reserves of inner wealth in the “treasury” of the heart allows people to continue bringing care, compassion and affection to relationships over the long-term in a sustainable way. The quote conveys a message about moderation in love to avoid burnout and maintain emotional resilience through times when less may be given or received from others.

Birthday: May 20, 1799 – August 18, 1850

Honore de Balzac: Great Fortunes & Crime

Honore de Balzac Money Quote saying Funny money quote that seems to fit many inexplicable fortunes. Honore de Balzac said:
 

“The secret of a great fortune made without apparent cause is soon forgotten, if the crime is committed in a respectable way” — Honore de Balzac

In this quote, Honore de Balzac is making an observation about how sudden, unexplained wealth gained through illicit or questionable means can escape scrutiny if presented respectably.

Balzac suggests that if a “great fortune” is amassed in a way that seems to lack legitimate cause or justification, yet is coupled with an outward appearance of propriety and respectability, then the “crime” or unethical acts that enabled it may soon be forgotten and overlooked by others.

The quote conveys that maintaining a veneer of decorum and conducting oneself with an air of prestige can allow some to get away with accumulating riches through covertly disreputable channels, as long as the precise means are obscured from public view.

Balzac seems to be cautioning that not all wealth of mysterious origin should be taken at face value, as crimes committed beneath a polished exterior may evade detection and memory over time.

Birthday: May 20, 1799 – Death: August 18, 1850

Honore De Balzac: Property Inheritance Pleasure

Funny Money Quotes on how a devious heir might literally get away with murder and still enjoy the inheritance of the relative they kill. Honore de Balzac said:
 

 

“To kill a relative of whom you are tired is something. But to inherit his property afterwards, that is genuine pleasure” — Honore de Balzac

In this quote, Balzac appears to be making a darkly satirical commentary on greed and the temptation of inheritance. He suggests that while ending a difficult family relationship through killing a relative may provide some momentary satisfaction, the true “pleasure” comes in inheriting their wealth and possessions afterwards.

Balzac seems to be criticizing the mindset of those who would view certain kin more as a potential source of financial gain upon their death than as people deserving of care, respect and compassion. The quote portrays inheritance in an unflattering and even sinister light, implying it can motivate morally questionable thoughts and actions towards expediting one’s receipt of a family member’s estate.

Overall, Balzac presents a critique of the corrupting influence greed and covetousness for material rewards can have on familial bonds and human relationships. The tone suggests he views such selfish prioritization of inheritance over people’s well-being and lives as a disturbing reflection of immoral character.

Birthday: May 20, 1799 – August 18, 1850