“There are people who have money and people who are rich.”
- August 19, 1883 – January 10, 1971
- Born in France
- Designer, businesswoman
- Founded the Chanel brand and advocated modern and simple fashion, especially popularizing the “Chanel suit” and “little black dress,” and contributing to the liberation of women.
Quote
“There are people who have money and people who are rich.”
Explanation
In this quote, Coco Chanel makes a subtle yet profound distinction between those who possess wealth in the form of money and those who possess a deeper form of richness—which, in Chanel’s eyes, is about much more than material wealth. To Chanel, true richness goes beyond the financial realm and speaks to a person’s experiences, character, style, and sophistication. While people who have money may live in luxury and comfort, those who are truly rich are defined by a more profound sense of fulfillment, creativity, and meaning in their lives. This quote reflects Chanel’s belief that wealth and luxury are not the ultimate measures of success or happiness, and that a life well-lived involves cultivating a richness that transcends money.
Chanel herself embodied this distinction throughout her life. Though she was born into poverty, she became one of the most influential fashion icons of the 20th century. Her richness was not defined by her financial success alone, but by her ability to transform the fashion industry, empower women, and live authentically according to her own values. Chanel’s idea of richness also extended to creativity—she saw herself as a creator, a visionary who could use her talents to shape not only her own life but also the lives of others. In this way, being “rich” was about living with purpose, imagination, and a deep connection to one’s inner world.
In contemporary terms, Chanel’s quote serves as a reminder that true wealth is not just about accumulating material possessions, but about developing a rich and meaningful life. It encourages us to seek fulfillment, personal growth, and authenticity as the ultimate forms of richness, while recognizing that money alone cannot provide the deeper satisfaction that comes from living with passion, purpose, and human connection. The quote challenges the modern obsession with financial success, reminding us that some of the most valuable things in life cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
