“Poverty is the lack of many things, but avarice is the lack of all things.”

— Publilius Syrus, Sententiae, Maxim 236

About Publilius Syrus

Roman writer of maxims, active in the first century BCE.

“Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.”

“He doubly benefits the needy who gives quickly.”

“Bitter for a free man is the bondage of debt.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”