William Durant: What is Money?

William Durant Money Quote saying money is not everything, it can be loaned to men until they use it or die – then it’s spent or gone. William Durant said:
 

“Money, what is money? It is only loaned to a man: he comes into the world with nothing and he leaves with nothing” — William Durant

In this quote, William Durant is making a philosophical point about the transient nature of money and material wealth. Specifically, he notes that individuals are born with nothing and they ultimately depart this world with nothing, so money itself is a temporary thing that is only “loaned” to a person during their lifetime.

The best interpretation is that Durant believed money holds no intrinsic value, since one enters and exits life empty-handed. From this perspective, money is just something we have access to and control over for a limited period of time, but it is not truly ours and does not last beyond death.

Overall, Durant seems to be encouraging people not to place too much importance on accumulating wealth, since ultimately it cannot be retained once life concludes. Money is almost an illusion from this viewpoint, as what really matters are non-material things like relationships, experiences and contributions that outlive an individual.

Birthday: November 5, 1885 – Death: November 7, 1981

Will Durant: Men Manage Money

Will Durant Money Quote saying historically, we see that managers of people have less control than those focusing on money management. Will Durant said:
 

 

“History reports that the men who can manage men manage the men who can manage only things, and the men who can manage money manage all” — Will Durant

In this quote, historian Will Durant is making an observation about hierarchies of power and influence. He suggests that those who excel at managing people will rise above those focused only on managing resources or tasks. And those skilled at financial management will ultimately oversee both groups. Durant implies that softer skills like motivating and leading others are more impactful than technical abilities alone.

The quote conveys the idea that the ability to effectively direct and inspire human talent tends to correlate with greater authority and control over organizations. Overall, Durant appears to be acknowledging the importance of strong interpersonal skills for achieving leadership positions with broad spheres of responsibility.

Birthday: November 5, 1885 – Death: November 7, 1981

Will Durant: Socialism Age, Money

Will Durant Money Quote saying socialism as a philosophy can be altered with time and money. Will Durant said:
 

 

“There Is Nothing In Socialism That A Little Money Or A Little Age Will Not Cure” — Will Durant

In this quote, Will Durant seems to be making a skeptical observation about socialism. By stating that “There is nothing in socialism that a little money or a little age will not cure”, Durant implies that greater financial security or life experience tend to diminish support for socialist ideals.

The quote conveys Durant’s perspective that socialist views are often held by those who are younger and have fewer resources, but that as people acquire wealth or mature with age, they become less inclined to support socialist policies and systems.

Overall, Durant appears to be suggesting socialist leanings are more a product of circumstance and naivete that fades rather than substantive positions, since “a little money or a little age” is enough in his view to alter one’s views on the subject.

Birthday: November 5, 1885 – Death: November 7, 1981