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PAY WHAT THINGS ARE WORTH

“Diogenes of Sinope said we sell things of great value for things of very little, and vice versa.”

- DIOGENES LAERTIUS, LIVES OF THE EMINENT PHILOSOPHERS

Summary:
Diogenes observes that people often trade what is truly valuable—such as time, integrity, and peace of mind—for things of little worth, like money, status, or fleeting pleasures. This imbalance shows how easily we misjudge what genuinely matters in life.

Interpretation:
In daily life, this serves as a reminder to assess our priorities carefully. Many people sacrifice their well-being or relationships in pursuit of wealth or recognition, only to realise too late that these external rewards bring little lasting fulfilment. True wisdom lies in valuing what is truly meaningful—virtue, inner peace, and authentic connections—over superficial gains.

 

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