Men first feel necessity, then look for utility, next attend to comfort, still later amuse themselves with pleasure, thence grow dissolute in luxury, and finally go mad and waste their substance.

Summary

This quote suggests the gradual progression of human desires and behaviors. It begins with the recognition of basic needs and necessities, which leads to the pursuit of utility or practical purposes. As comfort is achieved, individuals gradually seek pleasure and indulge in luxuries. However, excessive indulgence in pleasure and luxurious lifestyles eventually leads to a state of madness and the wasteful depletion of resources. The quote serves as a cautionary reflection on the potential consequences of unchecked desires and the dangers of recklessness and excess.

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