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.
Kathleen Dike says
Right on!
Steve says
I like how much your article is resonating with folks, but feel a correction should be made. Franklin’s use of the word “want” is older than our common definition, he is referring to people who are in need, not people who desire things which are unnecessary. Webster defines Franklin’s use as “to fail to possess especially in customary or required amount : LACK” or “to have need of : REQUIRE.” A person who lacks food, clothing, shelter, will resort to dishonest means if they have not been able to achieve it through honest means – so work hard and live frugally so you do not lack what you need (and thus would be susceptible to dishonest work). This is Franklin’s aim in the quote you provided.
That correction doesn’t change the value of your post on the corrupting affect of living in the “arena of desires” (I love that phrase), but I think you have mistaken the meaning of Franklin’s words. Franklin also refers to an empty sack (not having what you need) not being able to stand upright. You are on the other side of the spectrum (and just as needed), to use the sack analogy, that a sack cannot be used well for its purpose if it is filled to overflowing and buried in stuff.
Thanks for all your posts – they help me self-correct as needed!
joshua becker says
I am thankful for the comment. I did try to draw attention to the original context in the article.
Tom Pietz says
Yes, total contentment that “I/we have enough”, more than enough, my cup overflows, I can give myself/time/possessions/money away because I live with an abundance mentality. To live simply and live with less stuff, less maintenance, less distractions and duties, one is FREE with more margin to GIVE GENEROUSLY of ourselves. Perhaps there is less stress, more quiet, and the ability to be fully present because of less things stealing our attention and joy.
g says
We are able to feel comfortable in our modest condo, one old, shared car and buying recycled when possible. The thing that worries us and impacts our giving is the concern that we may have longterm care expenses which can be very high and can even bankrupt a couple. That concern weighs heavily on us.
Amy says
I appreciate all your articles, but this really hit hard (in a good way) this morning. And your gift with pen and words is brilliant
Amy says
This hit home. I’m a well-trained people pleaser, which makes me appear very “nice” and “friendly”. But underneath is a strong want for love/approval/validation from others. This makes me more willing to bend the truth and sacrifice my values, and creates all sorts of chaos in my life. Ben Franklin was a wise man!
Becky says
I found that daily, intentional thanksgiving for everything I have in life, whether big or small, paved the way for contentment. It was a great day when it suddenly dawned on me that I was truly content, because I had never set out to give thanks with that as the goal. Now I am also deliberately becoming more and more minimalist because too many possessions do not give back, they drain from life. Thank you for your good reminders in this post, Joshua.
Betsy says
I’ve been on this earth 70 years and never have I felt more sure that money has the power to corrupt.
Judy says
I could see this, Joshua. If a person is never satisfied, they can become ruthless and compromise their values. What a sad road. I’ve found fulfillment in Christ and anything extra is frosting on the cake. Also glad I embrace minimalism. My choices have brought peace. It’s a gift for sure. Thank you, Joshua for this forum. Love this.
Alice says
My husband and I always say…’you’ll never be content until you learn to be satisfied’.
Dotti says
So true Alice. Love this quote.