“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
- c. 4 BC – AD 65
- Roman
- Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist, Stoic Thinker, Advisor to Emperor Nero
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Quote
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
Explanation
True poverty is defined not by lack, but by insatiable desire. Seneca the Younger teaches that a person who is content with what they have is rich in spirit, even if materially modest, while one who constantly longs for more—regardless of how much they already possess—is spiritually impoverished. Craving, not scarcity, is the root of inner poverty.
This Stoic insight reflects the belief that wealth is a state of mind, not a measure of possessions. For Seneca, freedom and happiness come from limiting desires, not increasing riches. The more we want, the more we feel deprived. Even the man with a fortune can feel poor if he is ruled by greed or envy, while the man who is content with little experiences peace and sufficiency.
In modern consumer culture, this quote offers a powerful corrective. We are often taught to measure success by accumulation, but Seneca reminds us that no amount of wealth can satisfy a restless soul. True wealth is found in gratitude, simplicity, and the ability to say “enough.” It is not what we own, but what we are satisfied with, that makes us rich or poor.
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