“Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
Quote
“Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s critical perspective on human nature, particularly in regard to greed and self-interest. He suggests that people label others as “avaricious” (greedy) not because of moral outrage, but because they are unable to extract anything from that person for their own benefit. Voltaire implies that the disdain for greed is often rooted in frustration or envy, rather than a genuine concern for fairness or ethics.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with the dynamics of social and economic interactions. People may view those who are unwilling to share wealth, resources, or influence as selfish, but this judgment is often driven by personal interest rather than moral principles. Voltaire’s observation highlights the self-serving nature of much human criticism, where individuals are despised not for their actual faults, but because they do not contribute to the desires or needs of others.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in discussions about wealth inequality. Wealthy individuals who choose to keep their resources private or invest them in ways that do not directly benefit others may be criticized for being greedy, but often these critiques stem from a desire to access or redistribute that wealth rather than a true moral opposition to greed. Voltaire’s words encourage us to reflect on the motivations behind our judgments and to recognize the role of self-interest in shaping our perceptions of others.
