Scribd
Upload
369 views

We Are Not Rich by What We Possess But by We Can Do Without"

This document discusses Immanuel Kant's philosophy on true wealth and happiness. Kant said "We are not rich by what we possess but by what we can do without." The document explains that while material possessions are necessary in modern society, having too many will not satisfy one's deepest needs or desires. True happiness comes from being content with what one has and living virtuously by helping others without expectation of reward. Although the author is financially poor, they are still happy because happiness depends not on physical possessions but on having a kind heart and being grateful to God.

Uploaded by

RonibeMalingin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
369 views

We Are Not Rich by What We Possess But by We Can Do Without"

This document discusses Immanuel Kant's philosophy on true wealth and happiness. Kant said "We are not rich by what we possess but by what we can do without." The document explains that while material possessions are necessary in modern society, having too many will not satisfy one's deepest needs or desires. True happiness comes from being content with what one has and living virtuously by helping others without expectation of reward. Although the author is financially poor, they are still happy because happiness depends not on physical possessions but on having a kind heart and being grateful to God.

Uploaded by

RonibeMalingin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Name: Malingin, Ronibe B.

Subject: Understanding the Self


Course: BTLED-ICT 1-1AA Instructor: Mr. Edgar Adam Escolano

" We are not rich by what we possess but by we can do without"

It was Immanuel Kant who said these words, and it gives a great impact on
today’s society. We have necessities such as a house, food, and clean water. Yet,
material possession like money, new cars, jewelry, and many more are also necessary
for this modern society. It’s okay to have this but having too many possessions will
never satisfy our greatest needs nor the inmost desires of our soul. Many people buy
those things that are not needed, but they still desire more because they think it’s not
enough for them. In this way, you can never find true happiness within yourself unless
you don’t want to find it.

That philosophy of Kant teaches us the true meaning of the rich, not having
many possessions, but it talks about that the truly rich are the ones who are rich in
virtues. Even we don’t have many luxury things or money but doing simple things by
helping other people without any exchange is your duty to help that person. Also, living
with contentment in what you have and where you are in life makes you happier and
more satisfied. Even though I’m poor financially and not rich, it doesn’t indicate that I’m
not happy because being happy is not about the physical possession of those materials
but having a good heart by treating other people as a person, giving love to them and
being thankful to God for all the things that I’ve received. All those material objects that
we have, we cannot have it until we die.
Reference

Goodreads. (2020). Immanuel Kant quotes (Author of critique of pure reason).


Goodreads Meet your next favorite book.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/11038.Immanuel_Kant

You might also like