Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.
Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.
What did Voltaire mean by:

Men hate the individual whom they call avaricious only because nothing can be gained from him.

This quote suggests that people dislike individuals labeled as greedy or avaricious because they cannot extract any personal benefits from them. The basis of this dislike is not necessarily the person’s avarice but rather the fact that their avarice prevents others from gaining something. This perspective shifts the blame from the avaricious person to those who despise him, implying that they might be equally or even more greedy because their dislike is rooted in their failed self-interest.

Applying this idea to today’s world, it might be seen in various social, political, and economic contexts. For instance, in the corporate world, a CEO might be labeled as avaricious because they do not share profits or bonuses with their employees. However, this quote might suggest that the employees’ discontent is not just about the CEO’s greed, but also about their own interests not being fulfilled.

In terms of personal development, this quote could serve as a reminder to introspect our feelings towards others. When we dislike someone for their greed, it might be worth asking ourselves whether it’s their greed we dislike or the fact that their greed prevents us from gaining something. This introspection can help us understand our motivations better and perhaps work towards being less self-interested. It also pushes us to be more empathetic and understanding, rather than immediately assigning blame.

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