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),

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.]

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away read more

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward
heaven.

If Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would
not have given them to such read more

If Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would
not have given them to such a scoundrel.

Since all the riches of this world
May be gifts from the devil and earthly kings,
I read more

Since all the riches of this world
May be gifts from the devil and earthly kings,
I should suspect that I worshipped the devil
If I thanked my God for worldly things.

O, what a world of vile ill-favored faults
Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a year.

O, what a world of vile ill-favored faults
Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a year.

A library of wisdom, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to read more

A library of wisdom, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it. Whoever therefore claims to be zealous of truth, of happiness, of wisdom or knowledge, must become a lover of books.

This is an impressive crowd: the Have's and Have-more's. Some people call you the elites. I call you my base.

This is an impressive crowd: the Have's and Have-more's. Some people call you the elites. I call you my base.

It is easy at any moment to resign the possession of a great
fortune; to acquire it is difficult read more

It is easy at any moment to resign the possession of a great
fortune; to acquire it is difficult and arduous.
[Lat., Facile est momento quo quis velit, cedere possessione
magnae fortunae; facere et parare eam, difficile atque arduum
est.]