But men labor under a mistake. The better part of the man is soon plowed into the soil for compost. By a seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are employed, as it says in an old book, laying up treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal. It is a fool's life, as they will find when they get to the end of it, if not before.

Summary

This quote suggests that men often make a mistake by prioritizing material possessions and treasures throughout their lives. It argues that this pursuit, driven by a perceived necessity, ultimately proves futile as these treasures decay over time. The quote implies that this way of living is foolish, and individuals will only realize the futility of their pursuits when they reach the end of their lives or possibly even earlier. The underlying message appears to be a critique of the obsession with material wealth and a call to prioritize more meaningful aspects of life.

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