# Chapter XCIX explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/xcix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters