“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin redefines the concept of wealth, not as the accumulation of material goods, but as the ability to find contentment in what one already has. The rhetorical question “Who is rich?” is answered not with figures or possessions, but with gratitude and inner satisfaction. To “rejoice in his portion” means to appreciate one’s current life and circumstances, regardless of how modest they may be.
Franklin, though a successful and wealthy man by the end of his life, consistently emphasized the values of frugality, simplicity, and contentment. This idea draws from ancient wisdom, including Stoic and biblical thought, that teaches true riches lie in the mind and spirit, not in external abundance. His words reflect the Enlightenment ideal that happiness and virtue are linked to moderation and self-awareness, not greed or comparison.
In today’s consumer-driven world, where wealth is often equated with luxury and endless acquisition, Franklin’s quote offers a powerful counterpoint. It reminds us that the richest people are not those with the most, but those who need the least and appreciate the most. Gratitude transforms sufficiency into abundance, and Franklin teaches that the key to wealth is not possession, but perspective.
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