William Hazlitt: Will-Making Art

William Hazlitt Money Quote saying there is persistence in belief that an inheritance is due which is less certain. William Hazlitt said:
 

 

“The art of will-making chiefly consists in baffling the importunity of expectation” — William Hazlitt

In this quote, William Hazlitt seems to be commenting on the challenges involved in estate planning and distributing one’s wealth after death. By stating that the “art of will-making chiefly consists in baffling the importunity of expectation”, Hazlitt implies that crafting a will requires navigating the competing hopes and desires of potential heirs, who may each feel entitled to a larger share than what is allocated.

The quote conveys Hazlitt’s perspective that determining how to divide up and bequeath one’s assets in a way that satisfies legal requirements while also managing family dynamics and preventing resentment is a nuanced task.

Overall, Hazlitt appears to be acknowledging that will-making involves skillfully balancing different stakeholders’ “expectations” or perceived claims on an inheritance in an attempt to preempt disputes over the terms of the will after one’s passing.

Birthday: December 4, 1795 – Death: February 5, 1881

Voltaire: Charity No Longer Belongs

Voltaire Money Quote saying that once a man dies, he no longer owns anything to be able to give it to any charity. Voltaire said:

“The man who leaves money to charity in his will is only giving away what no longer belongs to him” — Voltaire

Voltaire said this because once someone has died, they no longer own or control their possessions and money. Anything left in a will is being given away after death, when the person can no longer benefit from or use the money and items themselves.

Voltaire was pointing out that charitable donations made in a will are not really a personal sacrifice, since the person is deceased and no longer has any ownership or need of the money or items. It is essentially giving away something that you no longer have any use for or claim to after death.

Birthday: November 21, 1694 – Death: May 30, 1778

Seneca: You Can Be Rich Here & Now

Seneca Money Quote saying learn first to become wise, not to gather money and things before gaining wisdom that pays immediate dividends in wealth. Seneca said:
 

 

“Shall you wait for some interest to fall due, or for some income on your merchandise, or for a place in the will of some wealthy old man, when you can be rich here and now” — Seneca

In this quote, the Roman philosopher Seneca is advising against waiting around for potential future sources of wealth like interest payments, profits from business dealings, or inheritance. Instead, he advocates becoming rich or prosperous “here and now” through one’s own efforts and choices in the present moment.

Seneca appears to be encouraging an attitude of self-reliance and agency over one’s circumstances rather than passively hoping or relying on external factors like other people’s decisions.

The quote suggests true wealth comes from making the most of current opportunities and actively working to improve one’s situation, rather than placing hopes in unpredictable or uncontrollable future events according to Seneca’s perspective.

Birthday: c. 4 BC – Death: AD 65

Lord Byron: Immortality Lives Forever

Funny Money Quotes: There are both valued and dangerous heirs and here we have promises of bodyguard and protector of life and limb. Lord Byron said:
 

 

“The way to be immortal (I mean not to die at all) is to have me for your heir. I recommend you to put me in your will and you will see that (as long as I live at least) you will never even catch cold” — Lord Byron

In this quote, Lord Byron is making a humorous comment about inheritance and immortality. He is jokingly suggesting that if someone makes him their heir in their will, as long as he is alive they will be symbolically “immortal” through being remembered in his legacy.

Even though they have passed away, a part of them will live on through him inheriting their estate. It seems he is using exaggeration for comedic effect, saying that with him as heir one would be so preoccupied with ensuring their legacy lives on through him that they wouldn’t have time to get sick. He is poking fun at the idea of seeking immortality through one’s heirs and legacy.

Birthday: January 22, 1788 – Death: April 19, 1824