21/11/2025
The Self-Destructive Nature of Greed
The covetous individual is verily good to none and indisputably worst to oneself.
This statement is a philosophical and moral commentary on greed or covetousness.
It suggests that a person who is excessively desirous of acquiring and possessing things—especially to the extent that they would harm others in the process—is not good for anyone. This is because their actions, driven by self-interest, almost always cause harm, suffering, discomfort, or neglect towards others.
Furthermore, the statement posits that such a person is "indisputably worst to oneself."
This implies that the negative consequences of being overly covetous affect the individual themselves the most profoundly.
This could be due to various reasons, such as:
Isolation:
Being excessively desirous of possessions or gains leads to social isolation, as others perceive the individual as selfish or greedy.
Harm to well-being:
Overly prioritising material gain can lead to the neglect of other aspects of well-being, such as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, relationships, or personal and professional growth.
Inner dissatisfaction:
Covetousness often stems from a sense of lack.
If not addressed, this underlying state can persist despite material gains, leading to a cycle of continuous desire and dissatisfaction.
Potential for loss:
A person who has acquired a great deal stands to lose a great deal. The fear and stress of potential loss can be a significant burden.
Moral consequences:
If one's covetousness leads to unethical decisions, this can result in feelings of guilt, shame, or regret.
In closing, this interpretation aligns with many philosophical and spiritual traditions that caution against excessive desire and attachment to material possessions.
They often advocate for a balance between material well-being and spiritual, emotional, and social health.
©DrAndrewMacLeanPagonMDPhD2025
( द्रुविद् रिषि द्रुवेद सरस्वती Druid Rishi Druveda Saraswati)
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