This quote implies that the process of acquiring money, while often challenging, is not as difficult or burdensome as the task of managing and preserving it once it has been obtained. It suggests that maintaining wealth requires constant vigilance and effort, perhaps even more so than the initial act of earning it.
In a broader sense, this quote can be seen as a commentary on the human tendency to obsess over material possessions. The author posits that our preoccupation with safeguarding our wealth can become a source of stress and hardship in itself. This could lead us to question whether accumulating large amounts of money is worth the potential trouble it may bring.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we might consider how modern society places enormous value on financial success and material wealth. People often spend their entire lives striving to earn more money with little thought given to how they will manage their wealth once they have achieved their goals. In light of Montaigne’s observation, such an approach could be seen as misguided or shortsighted.
Similarly, in terms of personal development, this quote might encourage us to rethink our priorities. If watching after money truly is more trouble than getting it—as Montaigne suggests—then perhaps we should focus less on financial gain and more on other aspects of life that bring fulfillment and happiness without causing undue stress or worry.
Furthermore, from an investment perspective in today’s world where there are numerous ways for one’s hard-earned income to disappear through poor investments or scams—this quote underlines the importance for individuals not just focusing on earning but also understanding how best to preserve what they have earned: through careful management strategies like diversifying investments or setting up emergency funds for unforeseen circumstances.
while society continues valuing monetary success highly—the wisdom embedded within Montaigne’s words serves as a timeless reminder about re-evaluating personal priorities towards achieving balanced well-being rather than solely focusing on accumulating wealth.