Single Idea 13565

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

Full Idea

Wealth is not a good; for it it was, it would make men good.

Gist of Idea

If wealth was a good, it would make men good

Source

Seneca the Younger (On the Happy Life [c.60], §24)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Dialogues and Essays', ed/tr. Davie,John [Penguin 2007], p.106


A Reaction

An immediately attractive argument, but should we assume that anything which is good will enhance our personal goodness? If goodness is a habit, then continual pursuit of wealth is the test case to examine. Seneca is right!

Related Idea

Idea 13564 There is far more scope for virtue if you are wealthy; poverty only allows endurance [Seneca]