QuoteProject
Women and wine, game and deceit, make the wealth small, and the want great
Benjamin Franklin
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that indulgence in superficial pleasures can lead to diminished wealth and increased desires.

Benjamin Franklin's quote reflects a cautionary perspective on how certain vices, such as temptation from women, wine, and deceitful behavior, can lead to a depletion of one's resources and an insatiable desire for more. It highlights the idea that while indulging in such pleasures may seem appealing, they ultimately undermine stability and create greater wants in life.

Themes

WealthTemptationVicesDesirePleasure

In practice

Example use cases

A speaker at a financial seminar might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of financial discipline.

More from Benjamin Franklin

To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
Benjamin FranklinRead
[E]very Man who comes among us, and takes up a piece of Land, becomes a Citizen, and by our Constitution has a Voice in Elections, and a share in the Government of the Country.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions, and spend one penny less than thy clear gains; then shall thy pocket begin to thrive; creditors will not insult, nor want oppress, nor hungerness bite, nor nakedness freeze thee
Benjamin FranklinRead
I think that a young state, like a young virgin, should modestly stay at home, and wait the application of suitors for an alliance with her; and not run about offering her amity to all the world; and hazarding their refusal. Our virgin is a jolly one; and tho at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune, and where she has a favorable predisposition, it seems to me well worth cultivating.
Benjamin FranklinRead

Similar quotes

I find no sweeter fat than sticks to my own bones.
Walt WhitmanRead
Maturity is the slowness in which a man believes.
Baltasar GracianRead
For better or worse, intelligence can come to nothing when emotions hold sway.
Daniel GolemanRead
When you think everything is someone else's fault, you will suffer a lot.
Dalai LamaRead
You know what the Quran teaches me? The Quran teaches me that an incredibly wealthy man can be a failure (Firaun) and a homeless man can be successful (Prophet Ibrahim). It teaches me that success has nothing to do with wealth and failure has nothing to do with poverty.
Nouman Ali KhanRead
Not to be able to stop thinking is a dreadful affliction, but we don't realize this because almost everyone is suffering from it, so it is considered normal. This incessant mental noise prevents you from finding that realm of inner stillness that is inseparable from Being.
Eckhart TolleRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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