A V A R I C E

A V A R I C E

‘Avarice’ is defined as extreme desire for wealth. Its exact or approximately exact synonyms are: greed, acquisitiveness, covetousness, materialism, selfishness, self-interest, meanness and miserliness. Whereas greed is difficult to control , avariciousness is almost impossible to get rid of. Consequently, it is dangerous. It goes on becoming limitless.

Fictional stories bearing the title : How Much Land Does A Man Need and   The Golden Touch are a couple of examples  of stupid and fatal greed.   

            It is not only individuals whose greed-based desires get enhanced with age but also whole countries and nations. The Acquisitive Society Published in 1950 and written by R.H.Tawney is a classic in which the author criticizes the selfish individualism of modern industrial societies. According to editorial reviews of this book R.H.Tawney argues that capitalism corrupts via the promotion of economic self-interest, leading to aimless production in response to greed and insatiable acquisitiveness.

            According to the English poet Abraham Cowley (1618-67)  : “Poverty wants some things, luxury many, avarice all things.”

Another English author Daniel Defoe (1661-1731) says: “All the good things of the world are no further good to us than as they are of use; and of all we may heap up we enjoy only as much as we can use, and no more.”

The Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.) has this to say  : “Avarice, in old age, is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to  increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey’s end? “

               Finally, here is a great quote to remember:  There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. There is no greater guilt than discontentment. And there is no greater disaster than greed.

G.R.Kanwal

7 September 2024                                                 *******