Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.
DemocritusRead
If your desires are not great, a little will seem much to you; for small appetite makes poverty equivalent to wealth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that having low desires can lead to a greater appreciation of little things in life.
Democritus implies that when one's desires are modest, even a small amount can feel like a lot. This perspective makes one rich in experiences and satisfaction, as a person with a small appetite for desires may find joy in simplicity, contrasting with those who yearn for more and feel perpetually dissatisfied.
Themes
DesiresContentmentWealthPovertyAppetite
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about lifestyle choices, one might cite this quote to promote minimalism.
More from Democritus
All quotes βBeautiful objects are wrought by study through effort, but ugly things are reaped automatically without toil.
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One should practice much sense, not much learning.
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Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.
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It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
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If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
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