“Wealth is the parent of luxury and indolence, and poverty of meanness and viciousness, and both of discontent.”
What this quote means
Epictetus warns against the excesses of wealth and poverty. Wealth can breed luxury and laziness, distancing us from effort and virtue. Poverty, on the other hand, can lead to pettiness and vice, out of necessity or despair. Both conditions can create dissatisfaction, as we compare ourselves to others or fear losing what we have. Stoicism invites us to seek virtue and simplicity, regardless of our material situation.
How to apply it daily
Reflect on your relationship with money. Choose one simple action to cultivate contentment, such as appreciating what you already have.
Reading guide
Which book should you read to discover Epictetus?
Our starting point
A short, practical first approach
Enchiridion
In a few pages, it sets out the central distinction between what depends on us and what does not.
- Level
- Accessible
- Reading time
- 1–2 hours
- Formats to compare
- Print · Ebook · Audio
Merchant links help compare editions. Recommendations are editorially independent.
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