Single Idea 13551

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 4. External Goods / c. Wealth]

Full Idea

Democritus rejected wealth, regarding it as a burden to the virtuous mind.

Gist of Idea

Democritus says wealth is a burden to the virtuous mind

Source

report of Democritus (fragments/reports [c.431 BCE]) by Seneca the Younger - On Providence §6

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Dialogues and Essays', ed/tr. Davie,John [Penguin 2007], p.16


A Reaction

The rival view is that wealth empowers a virtuous person to perform more fine deeds. Democritus seems to have a rather solitary view of virtue.