“...a great man who is vicious will only be a great doer of evil, and a rich man who is not liberal will be only a miserly beggar; for the possessor of wealth is not made happy by possessing it, but by spending it - and not by spending as he please but by knowing how to spend it well. To the poor gentleman there is no other way of showing that he is a gentleman than by virtue, by being affable, well-bred, courteous, gentle-mannered and helpful; not haughty, arrogant or censorious, but above all by being charitable...and no one who sees him adorned with the virtues I have mentioned, will fail to recognize and judge him, though he know him not, to be of good stock.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Miguel Cervantes emphasizes the importance of virtues and character over wealth and status. He argues that true greatness is not measured by one's possessions or financial wealth, but by how one uses their resources for the betterment of others. Cervantes suggests that a rich man who is not generous will ultimately be seen as a miserly beggar, whereas a poor gentleman can still be recognized as noble through his virtuous actions. This quote serves as a reminder that true worth comes from one's character and how they treat others, rather than superficial displays of wealth or status.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Miguel Cervantes, the importance of character, virtue, and generosity is highlighted as the true markers of greatness and nobility. These timeless principles remind us that wealth and status do not define a person's worth, but rather how they choose to use their resources and treat others. Today, this message serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness and nobility come from within, through acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others.
Example of Usage
In "Don Quixote," Miguel Cervantes emphasizes the importance of true wealth and nobility being demonstrated through generosity, virtue, and kindness, rather than through material possessions or status. Cervantes believes that a person's character and actions are what truly define them as noble or wealthy, not their outward appearances or possessions.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the words of Miguel Cervantes, consider the following questions:
How do you define true greatness and wealth? Do you agree that greatness is tied to virtuous actions and that true wealth lies in generosity and wise spending?
In what ways do you personally demonstrate your character and values through your actions and interactions with others? Do you prioritize virtues like affability, courtesy, and charity in your daily life?
How do you perceive individuals who display qualities of virtue and kindness, regardless of their background or material wealth? Do you believe that one's actions speak louder than their possessions or status in society?
How can you incorporate the principles of virtue, generosity, and humility into your own life moving forward? What steps can you take to embody these qualities and make a positive impact on those around you?
Similar quotes
“Remember that there are two kinds of beauty: one of the soul and the other of the body. That of the soul displays its radiance in intelligence, in chastity, in good conduct, in generosity, and in good breeding, and all these qualities may exist in an ugly man. And when we focus our attention upon that beauty, not upon the physical, love generally arises with great violence and intensity. I am well aware that I am not handsome, but I also know that I am not deformed, and it is enough for a man of worth not to be a monster for him to be dearly loved, provided he has those spiritual endowments I have spoken of.”
“The poor man is incapacitated from showing the virtue of generosity to anyone, though he may possess it in the highest degree; and gratitude that consists of disposition only is a dead thing, just as faith without works is dead.”
“He who sees a play that is regular, and answerable to the rules of poetry, is pleased with the comic part, informed by the serious, surprised at the variety of accidents, improved by the language, warned by the frauds, instructed by examples, incensed against vice, and enamoured with virtue; for a good play must cause all these emotions in the soul of him that sees it, though he were never so insensible and unpolished.”
“Here lies a gentleman boldWho was so very braveHe went to lengths untold,And on the brink of the graveDeath had on him no hold.By the world he set small store--He frightened it to the core--Yet somehow, by Fate's plan,Though he'd lived a crazy man,When he died he was sane once more.”
“It's up to brave hearts, sir, to be patient when things are going badly, as well as being happy when they're going well ... For I've heard that what they call fortune is a flighty woman who drinks too much, and, what's more, she's blind, so she can't see what she's doing, and she doesn't know who she's knocking over or who she's raising up.”
“What virtue is there in a man who demonstrates goodness because he has been bred to it? It is his habit from youth. But a man who has known unkindness and want, for him to be kind and charitable to those who have been the cause of his misfortunes, that is a virtuous man.”