“Thrift is of great revenue.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Thrift is of great revenue.”
Explanation
This quote conveys the principle that saving and careful management of resources can be as valuable as generating income. By stating that thrift is a form of revenue, Cicero highlights that wealth is not only created through earnings, but also through restraint, discipline, and wise spending. The idea is that prudence in personal or public finances can yield benefits comparable to those of active acquisition, and in many cases, may even be more reliable.
While this exact wording is more commonly attributed to later thinkers such as Francis Bacon or Benjamin Franklin, the concept aligns with Cicero’s emphasis on moderation, temperance, and responsible living, especially in his ethical writings. Roman ideals, which Cicero upheld, often praised simplicity, self-control, and frugality as civic virtues that ensured both personal integrity and societal stability.
In the modern world, where consumer culture encourages constant spending, the message remains especially relevant. Financial sustainability often comes less from how much one earns than from how wisely one manages what is earned. Whether in personal budgeting, business operations, or national economics, Cicero’s perspective affirms that thrift is not merely a constraint but a form of strength and freedom.
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