Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,161,747 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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“The extreme emphasis upon the accumulation of wealth as a symbol of success in our society militates against the completely effective control of institutionally regulated modes of acquiring a fortune.”
Robert K. Merton (1910–2003) said by 2003 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Consider the world as an abode where in you have dropped down for an hour, then you have got to leave it and go ahead; or (suppose it is) like the wealth which you lay hands upon in a dream and become over-joyed and glad. Then you wake up to find yourself empty handed.”
Muhammad al-Baqir (677–733) said by 733 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Indeed, when a man earns wealth from a haraam (prohibited source) - neither Hajj, nor Umra, nor strengthening of his blood kinship, is ever at all accepted or approved. By God, Almighty.”
Muhammad al-Baqir (677–733) said by 733 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A man shall not be full of laughter and mockery, nor sad and mournful, but joyful. ... His desire shall not be so great that he rushes for wealth, nor shall he be lazy and refrain from working. But he shall live in contentment, have a modest occupation, and be occupied mainly with the Torah.”
Maimonides (1135–1204) said by 1204 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Or rather, I inherited the acquired trait of the by-product, wealth, but none of the energy, none of the strength of the steel that made it. I am sired by gold and damned by it, as they say at the race track — damned in more ways than one.”
Eugene O'Neill (1888–1953) said by 1953 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Wealth, as such, impressed him deeply; his unromantic spirit respected this modern form of power—riches, no matter how acquired, were a sufficient attraction.”
Emil Ludwig (1881–1948) said by 1948 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We must make our choice. We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both.”
Louis Brandeis (1856–1941) first seen 1941 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted by Raymond Lonergan in Mr. Justice Brandeis, Great American (1941), p. 42.
“You have power, rank, command, influence; we have wealth, the source both of our strength and weakness; the value of these toys, ten times multiplied, would not influence half so much as your slightest wish.”
Walter Scott (1771–1832) said by 1832 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be Older than you are, give yourself time to grow You thinking he can give you wealth”
“What is the point of restraint and circumspection, if such stream-of-consciousness vulgarity can win not merely wealth and fame but complete social acceptance?”
Anthony Daniels (psychiatrist) first seen 1998 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Uncouth Chic (Autumn 1998).
“In countries where there is great private wealth, much may be effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals; but in a community situated like that of the United States, the public purse must supply the deficiency of private resource. In what can it be so useful, as in prompting and improving the efforts of industry?”
Alexander Hamilton (1757–1804) said by 1804 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is no society, however free and democratic, where wealth will not create an aristocracy.”
Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803–1873) said by 1873 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Material that might be illegal is such a minuscule part of what is available that we have to remember — and I mean not only librarians but everybody has to remember not to let it overshadow the incredible wealth of information that is available in this medium.”
Judith Krug (1940–2009) first seen 1997 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Easy Access?" by Spencer Michels, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (August 7, 1997)
“Conan did not hesitate, nor did he even glance toward the chest that held the wealth of an epoch. With a quickness that would have shamed the spring of a hungry jaguar, he swooped, grasped the girl's arm just as her fingers slipped from the smooth stone, and snatched her up on the span with one explosive heave.”
Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) said by 1936 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We need examples of people who, leaving Heaven to decide whether they are to rise in the world, decide for themselves that they will be happy in it, and have resolved to seek — not greater wealth, but simpler pleasure; not higher fortune, but deeper felicity; making the first of possessions, self-possession; and honouring themselves in the harmless pride and calm pursuits of peace.”
John Ruskin (1819–1900) first seen 1881 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Essay IV: "Ad Valorem," (p. 135 of 1881 edition)
“There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.”
John Ruskin (1819–1900) said by 1900 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Fame and wealth without wisdom are unsafe possessions.”
Democritus (461–361 BC) said by 361 BC at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Experience has shown that the trade of the East is the key to national wealth and influence.”
Chester A. Arthur (1829–1886) first seen 1882 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Veto message of Chinese Exclusion Act (1882).
“Wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality.”
John Tyler (1790–1862) first seen 1841 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: First annual message to Congress (1 June 1841).
“The unrestricted competition so commonly advocated does not leave us the survival of the fittest. The unscrupulous succeed best in accumulating wealth.”
Rutherford B. Hayes (1822–1893) first seen 1890 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Diary (12 December 1890)
“What physic, what chirurgery, what wealth, favor, authority can relieve, bear out, assuage, or expel a troubled conscience? A quiet mind cureth all them, but all they cannot comfort a distressed soul: who can put to silence the voice of desperation?”
Robert Burton (1577–1640) said by 1640 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Two persons take trouble in vain, and use fruitless endeavors, — he who acquires wealth without enjoying it, and he who is taught wisdom but does not practice it. How much soever you may study science, when you do not act wisely you are ignorant. The beast whom they load with books is not profoundly learned and wise; what knoweth his empty skull whether he carrieth firewood or books?”
Saadi (1210–1292) said by 1292 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is a limit to enjoyment, though the sources of wealth be boundless And the choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation.”
Martin Farquhar Tupper (1810–1889) said by 1889 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“But not to weigh the Particulars, and come to reckon by Ounces and Drams, this is certain, and will be granted, that the Product of our improved Colonies raises infinitely more Trade, employs more Hands, and I think, I may say by Consequence, brings in more Wealth to this one particular Nation or People, the English, than all the Mines of New Spain do to the Spaniards.”
Daniel Defoe (1660–1731) said by 1731 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“one thing to talk about the redistribution of wealth. It's quite another thing to talk about the redistribution of power. That's more what interests me.”
Andrea Dworkin (1946–2005) said by 2005 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Wealth is the sinews of affairs.”
Diogenes Laërtius wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have seen greatness and power, wealth, prosperity and incomparable development. I was never sad that we are a small and unfinished part of the world. To be small, unsettled and uncompleted is a good and courageous mission.”
Karel Čapek (1890–1938) said by 1938 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Those who sell their liberty for security are understandable, if pitiable, creatures. Those who sell the liberty of others for wealth, power, or even a moment's respite deserve only the end of a rope.”
L. Neil Smith (1946–2021) said by 2021 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Jenny kissed me when we met, Jumping from the chair she sat in; Time, you thief, who love to get Sweets into your list, put that in. Say I'm weary, say I'm sad, Say that health and wealth have missed me; Say I'm growing old, but add Jenny kissed me.”
Leigh Hunt (1784–1859) first seen 1838 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Jenny Kissed Me", in The Monthly Chronicle (Nov. 1838), p. 436 [variant: 'Nelly' for 'Jenny']
“The country must be governed by someone who really loves his people and his land, who shares wealth and progress. I have all that, only that I am ignorant.”
Pancho Villa (1878–1923) said by 1923 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It doesn’t matter that your painting is small. Kopecks are also small, but when a lot are put together they make a ruble. Each painting displayed in a gallery and each good book that makes it into a library, no matter how small they may be, serve a great cause: accretion of the national wealth.”
Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) first seen 1888 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Letter to S.P. Kuvshinnikova (December 25, 1888)
“Domination to-day is not a product of armies or navies or wealth or policies. It is a domination based on the one hand upon accomplished unity, and on the other hand upon the fact that opposition is generally characterized by a high degree of disunity.”
Edward Bernays (1891–1995) said by 1995 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.”
George Monbiot (born 1963) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Self-Attribution Fallacy" (7 November 2011).
“Entertainers and sports figures achieve fame and wealth but find the world empty and dull without the solace and stimulation of drugs.”
Mario Cuomo (1932–2015) said by 2015 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All religions are ultimately cargo cults. Adherents perform required rituals, follow specific rules, and expect to be supernaturally gifted with desired rewards—long life, honor, wisdom, children, good health, wealth, victory over opponents, immortality after death, any desired rewards.”
Octavia Butler (1947–2006) said by 2006 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is no greater wealth than Virtue, And no greater loss than to forget it.”
Thiruvalluvar wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The crow does not hide its prey, but calls for others to share it; So wealth will be with those of a like disposition.”
Thiruvalluvar wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To get wealth and security by guile Is like one who pours water into a pot of unbaked clay.”
Thiruvalluvar wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What sought they thus afar? Bright jewels of the mine, The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? They sought a faith's pure shrine.”
Felicia Hemans (1793–1835) said by 1835 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Also quoted by: Felicia D. Hemans
“Great wealth breeds great arrogance.”
Sheri S. Tepper (1929–2016) said by 2016 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Wealth and want equally harden the human heart, like frost and fire both are alien to human flesh. Famine and gluttony alike drive nature away from the heart of man.”
Theodore Parker (1810–1860) said by 1860 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Treasury of Thought : Forming an Encyclopædia of Quotations from Ancient and Modern Authors (1894) edited by Martin M. Ballou, p. 231.
“Which reminds me of the man I read of in some sacred book who was given a choice of what he most desired. And because he didn't ask for titles and honours and dignities, but only for immense wealth, these other things came to him also." "I am sure you didn't read about him in any sacred book." "Yes; I fancy you will find him in Debrett.”
Saki (1870–1916) said by 1916 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Communism means barbarism, but Socialism means, or wishes to mean, cooperation and community of interests, sympathy, the giving to the hands not so large a share as to the brains, but a larger share than hitherto in the wealth they must combine to produce - means, in short, the practical application of Christianity to life, and has in it the secret of an orderly and benign reconstruction.”
James Russell Lowell (1819–1891) said by 1891 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The experimental researches of Faraday are so voluminous, their descriptions are so detailed, and their wealth of illustration is so great, as to render it a heavy labour to master them. The multiplication of proofs, necessary and interesting when the new truths had to be established, are however less needful now when these truths have become household words in science.”
John Tyndall (1820–1893) first seen 1869 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Preface to the Second Edition (December 1869).
“I came from an environment where I needed to succeed. There was no wealth or anything like that in the family. Not that we were paupers, but we had to fend for ourselves. Kids today are not as hungry as I was. They don’t understand how tough my generation was.”
Alan Sugar (born 1947) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From an interview with Jan Moir, Daily Mail, 25th March 2009.
“The growth of New England was a result of the aggregate efforts of a busy multitude, each in his narrow circle toiling for himself, to gather competence or wealth. The expansion of New France was the achievement of a gigantic ambition striving to grasp a continent. It was a vain attempt.”
Francis Parkman (1823–1893) said by 1893 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The extreme advanced party is likely for the future to have on its side a great portion of the most highly cultivated intellect in the nation, and the contest will lie between brains and numbers on the one side, and wealth, rank, vested interest, possession in short, on the other.”
John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn (1838–1923) first seen 1867 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: ‘Young England and the Political Future’, The Fortnightly Review, No. XXXVIII (1 January 1867), pp. 491–492
“But as the power of Hellas grew, and the acquisition of wealth became more an objective, the revenues of the states increasing, tyrannies were established almost everywhere...”
Thucydides (461–395 BC) said by 395 BC at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The equal wealth and equal opportunities of culture which all persons now enjoy have simply made us all members of one class.”
Edward Bellamy (1850–1898) said by 1898 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The whole acknowledged art of wealth-making on a large scale consisted in devices for getting possession of other people's product without too open breach of the law.”
Edward Bellamy (1850–1898) said by 1898 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source