Poverty was abhorred by the ancients, to the extent that only the rich were believed to go directly to heaven upon death, as property and wealth became highly esteemed. [1]
The absence of ideals in national leaders explains poverty, divorce, war, and racial hatreds, stemming from an overabundance of ideas but a lack of true inspiration. [2]
Culture never develops under conditions of poverty; leisure, combined with ambition and material prosperity, is essential for the progress of civilization. [3] The improvident depend on the state, while thrifty taxpayers support them, creating a cycle of dependency and inequality. [4]
Those seeking wealth in isolated channels will inevitably suffer poverty; wise planning and integration into well-organized channels are essential for worldly prosperity. [5] Poverty is man's natural and tyrannical estate; wealth is the result of labor, knowledge, and organization. [6] In the world settled in light and life, poverty and social inequality have all but vanished. [7] The ritual of mortification of flesh incorporated poverty as a spiritual practice, influencing Western philosophy and promoting self-control. [8] Tolerating poverty hinders societal progress when support enables reproduction without restraint. [9] Poverty was widespread during the time of Jesus in the Greco-Roman world. [10] About avoiding poverty, see links on achievement and earnings. About spiritual poverty see humility.