“...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.”
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
“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.”
“Well, what was I to do? For the well-bred gentleman there was clearly only one recourse. I fucked him.”
“Well, I once lived in a town full of ambitious people, people who aspired to having, be it wealth or power. It was an unhappy town. Your cause may be more noble than theirs, but nevertheless it is important to know the difference between having and being. If desire burns too strong in a man it will consume him. A man who says he will not rest until he has made a certain amount of money will not rest even then, for his desire will drive him to greater wealth. A man who says he will not be happy until he has obtained a certain woman will seek another once he has had her. I know this to be true because I was such a man. If you are not happy now you may never be happy.”
“A writer in someone who spends years patiently trying to discover the second being inside him, and the world that makes him who he is.”
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, if he wins, knows the thrills of high achievement, and, if he fails, at least fails daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”