Stoic Quotes

 

                          Photo by Chantal Lenting

"Being Poor is not having Too Little, it is Wanting More."

Seneca

 

🧐💸

Let’s dive into one of the wisest words ever spoken by the legendary Stoic philosopher, Seneca: "Being poor is not having too little, it is wanting more." At first glance, this might sound like a call to stop complaining about how broke we are (we’ve all been there). But trust me, there’s a labyrinth of truth packed into this simple quote. Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Secret to Wealth Isn’t in Having More – It’s in Wanting Less 🏆

Picture this: You’ve got a pretty decent job, a good roof over your head, and plenty of food on the table. But suddenly, as we scroll daily—Instagram influencers post pics of their luxurious beach getaways, endless upscale brunches, and their minimalist (yet totally expensive) “I don’t really care about having stuff” lifestyles. And just like that, your contentment starts to fade. Sound familiar to anyone? 🤦‍♂️ Drop a comment if this resonates

Seneca is not criticizing us for enjoying pleasant things in this passage. It's more about highlighting the fact that having little money isn't the only cause of poverty; it also stems from continually comparing our lives to those of others and focusing our wants on things we don't truly need. We begin to feel empty when we desire more, whether it is more material possessions, more attention, or more approval.

As the famous philosopher Alan Watts once said: “The more a thing is pursued, the more it eludes you.” 🔄 The truth? True wealth is not about accumulating, it’s about appreciating what you already have.

Wanting More Means You’ll Never Be Satisfied 😬💸

We live in a culture where more seems to always be better. Bigger house, better car? Yes, please! Latest phone? Absolutely! But when does it stop? Does it ever stop? 👀

Seneca thought that people who are always looking for more can never be genuinely wealthy. Why? Because desire has an infinite essence. When you have a "I want more" mindset, you're constantly pursuing what you believe will bring you satisfaction, but in actuality, happiness isn't found in the newest fad or a higher salary. It can be found in contentment.

In the words of Socrates: “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” 🤯 So, the next time you’re eyeing that shiny new thing, ask yourself: Do I need this, or do I just want it because it’s there?

Less Want = More Happiness 😌

It's simple to fall victim to the "want more, be more" mentality. But consider this: how many times have you experienced genuine happiness or serenity after obtaining what you previously believed to be essential? Probably not as much as you had anticipated.

Let's stand back and appreciate the beauty of simplicity. Instead of pursuing things that ultimately aren't important, it can be more fulfilling to be content with less. Simple things like a beautiful dinner, a meaningful discussion, or simply being in the present moment may often make us feel wealthy. 🏖️

Final Thoughts: Choose Contentment Over Constant Craving 🌟

Seneca’s wisdom is more relevant than ever. If we want to stop feeling poor, we need to shift our mindset. The trick is not to gather more, but to need less. Be content with what you’ve got, and let go of the constant need for more.

Hey, speaking of mindset, if you want to dive deeper into how to live your best life (and avoid falling into the trap of constant craving), subscribe to this blog and check out my podcast, by simply clicking here 👉Wise Mindset Guy Podcast. Let’s explore how to be truly rich—not in material things, but in peace, wisdom, and happiness. 🎙️

Catch you next week! 👋