Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet - the first vice in corrupt nature that moves and the last which dies.

The man who has no money is poor but one who has nothing but money is poorer. He only is rich who can enjoy without owning he is poor who though he has millions is covetous.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man the brave man the covetous man and the stupid man.

There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind and there is no happiness equal to contentment there is no disease like covetousness and no virtue like mercy.

If we bring not the good courage of minds covetous of truth and truth only prepared to hear all things and decide upon all things according to evidence we should do more wisely to sit down contented in ignorance than to bestir ourselves only to reap disappointment.