Stoic Quote of the Day

Monday, November 24, 2025

Fidelity purchased with money, money can destroy.
Seneca

The idea here is that any form of loyalty or trust obtained through financial means is inherently unstable and fleeting. Money, as a tool, can indeed buy services, influence, or favors, and it might seem to secure relationships or solve problems. However, these bonds, founded on financial transactions rather than genuine connection or shared values, are vulnerable to the same forces that created them. Imagine someone who showers their friends with expensive gifts to win their allegiance. While this tactic might initially work, the relationship is built on a weak foundation. Should another offer more or the money run out, the so-called loyalty may quickly dissolve, just as easily as it was "purchased." In contemporary life, this insight encourages us to seek authenticity in our relationships and interactions. When we cultivate trust and devotion through mutual respect, empathy, and understanding, those connections endure and thrive despite the ebbs and flows of financial circumstances. It serves as a reminder that while money can facilitate certain aspects of life, it should not be the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. The qualities that form deeply rooted connections—kindness, integrity, and genuine concern—are far more resilient and rewarding than any financial incentive could ever be.