Nature makes us poor only when we want necessaries, but custom gives the name of poverty to the want of superfluities.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between basic needs and extravagant desires. It suggests that nature, in its abundance, provides us with the necessities to survive. However, societal customs and norms often label those lacking in unnecessary luxuries as "poor." Therefore, this quote challenges our perspective on poverty and reflects the notion that poverty is not solely determined by the lack of basic provisions but rather the absence of non-essential, excessive material possessions.