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The miser is as much in want of what he has as of what he has not.
Publilius Syrus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A miser's obsession with wealth leaves him always wanting, even for that which he already possesses.

This quote emphasizes the paradoxical nature of a miser's behavior, where the constant desire for more wealth creates a sense of lack, not just for what they do not have, but also for the very possessions they cling to. It suggests that a mindset fixated on accumulation can lead to dissatisfaction and a failure to appreciate what one already owns.

Themes

MiserWealthDesireSatisfactionPossession

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about financial habits, one could reference this quote to illustrate the importance of appreciating what you have.

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