Benjamin Franklin wrote in his autobiography, “It is more difficult for a man in want to act always honestly.”
All those who desire to live an honest life should consider the weight of those words. In fact, read them again if you skipped over them quickly.
In its original context, Franklin was exhorting his readers to work industrially and live frugally. Because as he explained, it is “more difficult for a man in want to act always honestly.”
It is true. Working hard and living frugally does provide a freedom to live a more virtuous life. Of course, one can work hard, live frugally, and still live a selfish, dishonest life—but that is not the point being made.
But I have come to learn there is more wisdom to be found here than in an exhortation to care for our finances. The more we consider this important thought, the more places we see it play out in our lives.
The proverb speaks truth not just about honesty, but about many of the virtues we should desire, and the difficulty of actually living them out when we are never satisfied. When we live in a state of constant want, a virtuous life becomes harder to live.
Think of it this way, our virtues are tested in the arena of desires. And the greater our desire, the more fierce the battle.
A constant need for more, while seemingly innocent, can subtly coax us into compromising our character, integrity, and values. We may win out over the temptation to compromise some days—but more often than we’d like to admit, we lose the fight. And the greater the pull of want, the greater the temptation to compromise virtue.
Think about it, a man or woman who is never satisfied with the amount of money in their bank account, who constantly wants more and more of it, is more tempted to be dishonest in their pursuit of it than the man or woman who is satisfied with what they have.
The man or woman with a constant want for a bigger house, a grander vacation, a bigger wardrobe, or a more luxurious car is more often tempted with greed, selfishness, manipulation, impatience, and jealousy (just to name a few).
When we live in a state of constant want, it is more difficult to live an honest and virtuous life.
Which requires us to ask the question of ourselves, “Am I living in a constant state of wanting more than I have? And how does this desire for more war against the virtues I wish to be true of me?”
This question becomes even more important to internalize in an economy that runs on fanning the flames of desire in our hearts—always pushing and pulling us to want more and more and more. The less we are satisfied with our lives, the more they win. Without intentional effort, our culture slowly reshapes our heart into a desire for more and more.
Now, don’t misinterpret my thinking here. I am not saying that ambition is immoral. I am not saying that it is unwise to work hard and provide for our families. I’m not even saying that there aren’t times in life or circumstances in life when we should diligently pursue something better.
What I am saying is that when we are never satisfied with our lives—especially in terms of money, possessions, power, fame, and pleasure—it becomes more difficult to live an always honest life and we are more tempted to compromise. There is a direct relationship.
And that might explain why the virtues of honesty, patience, contentment, generosity, and humility come under siege in a culture that constantly whispers there is greater happiness to be found in more and there is always something else to acquire.
The challenge, therefore, is not merely in learning to pursue a life well-lived as our chief goal, but in resisting the temptation to want more when we already have enough.
Minimalism, in this broader context, emerges as a helpful philosophy. It invites us to redefine success, to treasure the invisible over the visible, to see the emptiness of pursuing possessions that can never satisfy, and to live a life more focused on purpose, virtue, values, and convictions.
Does minimalism mean that somebody automatically lives a more virtuous life? Of course not. I would never make that argument. Minimalism and living a virtuous life are not synonymous.
But it can remove at least one area of want from a person’s life and as a result, it can make the pathway to honesty a little bit easier to navigate.
Minimalism might not be the best word for what I am speaking of. Contentment is probably better. But minimalism, in many ways, helps pave the way for contentment.
Simplicity challenges us to confront society’s messaging that equates happiness with possessions. It invites us to craft a legacy defined not by what we accumulate, but by the lives that we live.
And when that is the goal, virtue comes a little bit easier.
Michael says
Absolutely, you make a valid point. It’s essential to recognize that the pursuit of more doesn’t always equate to material excess, nor does it inherently lead to dishonesty. Wanting to achieve more or be more can manifest in various ways, and it’s not necessarily linked to owning less or being frugal.
Many successful individuals have indeed amassed wealth and possessions through honest means while still maintaining a sense of balance and integrity in their lives. They understand that success is multifaceted and encompasses not just financial prosperity but also personal growth, meaningful relationships, and contributions to society.
Moreover, owning more or achieving greater success doesn’t automatically imply a lack of integrity. In fact, there are countless examples of individuals who have risen to prominence through hard work, innovation, and ethical decision-making.
Ultimately, the key lies in finding a balance that aligns with one’s values and aspirations. Whether it’s through frugality and simplicity or through ambition and achievement, what matters most is the integrity and authenticity with which we pursue our goals. Success, in its truest sense, is about striving for excellence while staying true to oneself and the principles that guide us.
Stacey says
My spirit has been at such unrest lately. With how much waste and accumulation there is, I believe we are continuing to drift away from community and intentionality. I am recognizing in myself that I am getting caught up with the busy-ness of our culture and doing my best to get back to myself having realized that. I found your blog at least 10 years ago, and it really resonated with me. I had a slow and intentional morning, and remembered how much I enjoyed reading your posts back then, so I made a point to find your blog and this post really hit home. Thank you for doing what you were called to do. Many of us are reminded of what we are called to do by seeing examples like this.
Poppy Stoker says
I loved this article so much! I bear witness to many people in the pursuit of ‘want’ (and it is so sad to see that all they look forward to is their next big, luxurious holiday to combat the stress and strains of over work to finance their lifestyle). They do not experience the daily pleasures that a more virtuous life can bring, like having time to take a walk in nature, the satisfaction of cooking one’s own food etc. I am a children’s storyteller (Fairy Poppilina) and I like to present books on this very theme, like ‘Never Say No To A Princess’ by Tracey Corderoy and ‘The Princess and the Presents’ by Caryl Hart. Thank you for such a pithy, didactic piece of writing!
Dotti says
Very interesting. I originally perceived a man in want as someone who was poor, lacking food or shelter, who was forced to acquire what he needed dishonestly.
Your article showed me that a man in want can easily be someone who has more than enough but is never satisfied. Greed in this case can lead a man to act dishonesty.
Thanks for the insight
Red says
I also thought of “in want” as “poor” and living frugally and working industrially is said to be a path to wealth in the original context. Makes me wonder.
Teresa Maria says
I can totally sign all of this! I was in a relationship with a man once upon a time who became a millionaire while we were together. He was already greedy and extremely driven by the lure of money, but every time he reached another financial goal, the nastier and the more miserable he became. I realized afterwards that it was simply because nothing was enough for him. What he had he didn’t enjoy. And what he got was always (in his head) too little. He gave me a valuable life lesson by being like that: I know to NOT build my life on material stuff but on awareness and gratitude of everything I have had and done, everything I have and do now and everything I will have and do in the future. Great and thought provoking article!
Teresa Maria | Outlandish Blog
Suzie says
Excellent article. I also loved reading all the comments. Ben Franklin was a wise man. Thank you for all your articles. Through reading your books and articles I see life in a whole different perspective. Thank you. I no longer seek material possessions the way I used to seek them. Having cleaned out several family members homes, I have learned that too much stuff brings stress, animosity among family. Everyone has their own idea of how to purge and sometimes those views do not align. No possession is worth a family torn apart.I had a beloved Aunt who shared a quote with me several years ago, “ You never see a hearse towing a Uhaul.” I don’t know who originally said that, but they were right. Thank you Joshua for all your posts.