“How much better is it to be known for doing well by many than for living extravagantly? How much more worthy than spending on sticks and stones is it to spend on people?”
- Musonius Rufus, Lectures, 19.91.26-28
May 4, 2021 8:00 AM
Initially, the focus of this reflection was to be about those who give checks with a lot of zeros, but only an infinitesimal portion of their wealth. Reflecting further, it became clear that we also provide celebrity status to many people who provide nothing to society.
Society has turned individuals who are obtuse, lewd, and immoral into a celebrity. We are entertained by reality stars whose only abilities are to scream vulgar language at one another.
Conclusion
There are no cameras on those who live a virtuous life. These people are boring to us. People who give ten percent of their wealth freely to charity, that love their neighbors, that find happiness in simplicity. These people are the most impressive.