Riches are deservedly despised by a man of honor, because a
well-stored chest intercepts the truth.
[Lat., Opes read more

Riches are deservedly despised by a man of honor, because a
well-stored chest intercepts the truth.
[Lat., Opes invisae merito sunt forti viro,
Quia dives arca veram laudem intercipit.]

You often ask me, Priscus, what sort of person I should be, if I
were to become suddenly rich read more

You often ask me, Priscus, what sort of person I should be, if I
were to become suddenly rich and powerful. Who can determine
what would be his future conduct? Tell me, if you were to become
a lion, what sort of a lion would you be?

The rich man's sons inherits cares;
The bank may break, the factory burn,
A breath may burst read more

The rich man's sons inherits cares;
The bank may break, the factory burn,
A breath may burst his bubble shares,
And soft, white hands could hardly earn
A living that would serve his turn.

Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only.

Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only.

I am absolutely convinced that no wealth in the world can help
humanity forward, even in the hands of read more

I am absolutely convinced that no wealth in the world can help
humanity forward, even in the hands of the most devoted worker.
The example of great and pure individuals is the only thing that
can lead us to noble thoughts and deeds. Money only appeals to
selfishness and irresistibly invites abuse. Can anyone imagine M
anyone imagine Moses, Jesus or Gandhi armed with the money-bags
of Carnegie?

Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of read more

Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.

All that glisters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told;
Many a man his life read more

All that glisters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told;
Many a man his life hath sold;
But my outside to behold.

Poor worms, they hiss at me, whilst I at home
Can be contented to applaud myself, . . . read more

Poor worms, they hiss at me, whilst I at home
Can be contented to applaud myself, . . . with joy
To see how plump my bags are and my barns.

But wealth is a great means of refinement; and it is a security
for gentleness, since it removes disturbing read more

But wealth is a great means of refinement; and it is a security
for gentleness, since it removes disturbing anxieties.
- Ik Marvel (pseudonym of Donald G. Mitchell),