Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness.
Interpretation
A person's greed remains even if their possessions are taken away.
This quote by John Milton suggests that material wealth can be taken from a greedy person, but their insatiable desire for more will always remain. It implies that covetousness is a deep-rooted trait that cannot be stripped away, highlighting the idea that true value lies not only in possessions but also in one's mindset and spirit.
In practice
During a seminar about personal values, this quote can illustrate the dangers of greed.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Which of us can resist the temptation of being thought indispensable?
We crave support in vanity, as we do in religion, and never forgive contradictions in that sphere.
The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause.
I mean, after all, you have to consider we're only made out of dust. That's admittedly not much to go on and we shouldn't forget that. But even considering, I mean it's sort of a bad beginning, we're not doing too bad. So I personally have faith that even in this lousy situation we're faced with we can make it. You get me?
Landlords, like all other men, love to reap where they never sowed.
It is a pleasant thing to reflect upon, and furnishes a complete answer to those who contend for the gradual degeneration of the human species, that every baby born into the world is a finer one than the last.
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