For my part, the thing I would wish to obtain from money would be leisure with security. But what the typical modern man desires to get with it is more money, with a view to ostentation, splendour, and the outshining of those who have hitherto been his equals.

Summary

This quote reflects an observation about the different desires and priorities surrounding money. The speaker states that their personal aspiration would be to use money to attain leisure time and a sense of security. However, they observe that the modern man's inclination is to acquire more money for the purpose of showing off, displaying an extravagant lifestyle, and surpassing their peers in terms of wealth and status. This juxtaposition highlights the contrasting values individuals may have when it comes to the accumulation and utilization of money.

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