Materialism: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that people who have wealth or resources are often able to attract and keep friends more easily

"A rich man always has friends — he that has a full purse never wanted a friend."

"His popularity increased with his wealth — he that has a full purse never wanted a friend."

used to suggest that having a large dowry or focusing solely on material wealth in a marriage can lead to difficulties, challenges, or even unhappiness

"A large dowry causes more problems than it solves — a great dowry is a bed full of brambles."

"Their wealthy marriage was full of arguments — a great dowry is a bed full of brambles."

used to suggest that the pursuit of material wealth should not come at the expense of personal freedom or genuine happiness

"Even golden chains are still chains — no man loves his fetters, be they made of gold."

"The high-paying job came with enormous restrictions — no man loves his fetters, be they made of gold."

used to emphasize that material possessions are ultimately temporary and that focusing on relationships, experiences, and personal growth are more meaningful in the long run

"You cannot take your money with you when you die — you cannot take it with you when you go."

"She donated everything before she died, knowing you cannot take it with you when you go."

used to imply that the most valuable things in life, such as happiness and love, cannot be bought, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing experiences and relationships over wealth

"The most valuable things in life are free — the best things in life are free."

"Friendship, laughter, and good health cost nothing — the best things in life are free."

used to emphasize that in addition to basic necessities like food and shelter, people have emotional, social, and spiritual needs that must be fulfilled to live a happy life

"You need more than money and food to be happy — man does not live by bread alone."

"The salary was generous but the work was meaningless — man cannot live by bread alone."

used to imply that having a lot of money or material possessions does not necessarily lead to happiness or contentment in life

"Money does not make you truly happy — money cannot buy happiness."

"He had everything money could buy and still felt empty — money cannot buy happiness."

used to imply that excessive attachment to material possessions can lead to a loss of personal freedom and control

"Your possessions control you as much as you control them — the things you own end up owning you."

"The more property he accumulated, the more anxious he became — the things you own end up owning you."

used to imply that personal happiness, health, relationships, and personal growth are more important than money, encouraging people to prioritize these values over financial success

"There are more important things than money — money is not everything."

"He turned down a higher salary for a better quality of life — money is not everything."

used to imply that without money to spend, one is not interested in the market, and so will not spend much time there

"A poor person has no power in the market — a moneyless man goes fast through the market."

"With no cash to spend, he quickly walked past the stalls, as a moneyless man goes fast through the market."