QuoteProject
Cinna wishes to seem poor, and is poor
Marcus Aurelius
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects a paradox where the desire to appear impoverished aligns with actual poverty, emphasizing the value of authenticity over superficial appearances.

Marcus Aurelius presents a thought-provoking idea that seeks to challenge our understanding of wealth and status. By stating that Cinna wishes to seem poor and is poor, he highlights the importance of authenticity and the internal state of being over external appearances. It suggests that genuine humility and simplicity can be richer than ostentatious displays of wealth, prompting a reflection on the nature of true prosperity.

Themes

AuthenticityPovertyHumilityWealthSimplicity

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on stoicism, one might reference this quote to discuss the value of living authentically.

More from Marcus Aurelius

I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others.
Marcus AureliusRead
You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusRead
Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.
Marcus AureliusRead
Vex not thy spirit at the course of things; they heed not thy vexation. How ludicrous and outlandish is astonishment at anything that may happen in life.
Marcus AureliusRead
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
Marcus AureliusRead
A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.
Marcus AureliusRead

Similar quotes

Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them. To deny it, however, in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought needed to be told; and as whatever of humilation there is in it, falls most directly on myself, I thought others might afford for me to tell it.
Abraham LincolnRead
As a general rule, I would say that human beings never behave more badly toward one another than when they believe they are protecting God.
Barbara Brown TaylorRead
The liberal ideal is that everyone should have fair access and fair opportunity. This is not equality fo result. Its equality of opportunity. There's a fundamental difference.
Robert ReichRead
Evolution isn't just a story about where we came from. It's an epic at the center of life itself. Far from robbing our lives of meaning, it instills an appreciation for the beautiful, enduring, and ultimately triumphant fabric of life that covers our planet. Understanding that doesn't demean human life - it enhances it.
Kenneth R. MillerRead
The worst thing about movie-making is that it's like life: nobody can go back to correct the mistakes.
Pauline KaelRead
Where are the dogs going? you people who pay so little attention ask. They are going about their business. And they are very punctilious, without wallets, notes, and without briefcases.
Charles BaudelaireRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.