A brass balance holds gold coins on one side and pale roses on the other against dusty pink.

Original artwork, not a still

Anne Swetchine

We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker argues that wealth is measured by generosity rather than possessions: we become rich by what we give away, and poor by what we withhold. Holding back, on this view, impoverishes a person, while giving increases what they truly have.

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