Short Works · Chapter
Chapter XCIX explained
A brief, direct comparison of virtue and wealth, arguing that virtue is the superior and safer object of desire, as wealth amplifies the foolishness and wickedness of those who lack sense.
What happens
A brief, direct comparison of virtue and wealth, arguing that virtue is the superior and safer object of desire, as wealth amplifies the foolishness and wickedness of those who lack sense.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue as the Only Good
Explicitly states virtue 'should be desired by all men more than wealth,' positioning it as the primary and superior good.
Moderation and Simplicity
Implied through the critique of wealth, which enables 'excess' and 'mad desire for pleasures' in the foolish, contrasting with the safety and sufficiency of virtue.
Key passages
“Virtue then should be desired by all men more than wealth which is dangerous to the foolish; for the wickedness of men is increased by wealth.”
Everyone should want virtue more than money, because money is hazardous to unwise people—it actually makes their bad behavior worse.
Directly contrasts the inherent value of virtue with the instrumental danger of wealth.
“And the more a man is without sense, the more violent is he in excess, for he has the means of satisfying his mad desire for pleasures.”
A senseless person becomes more extreme in their overindulgence when they get rich, because they now have the resources to feed their crazy cravings for pleasure.
Explains the mechanism by which wealth corrupts: it provides fuel for pre-existing foolishness and lack of self-control.