Dream of Scipio and Stoic Paradoxes

Epilogue? regarding the poor
The rich man is not he who has much, but he who does not desire more.
The rich man is he who suffices for himself.

Fear is servitude. What, then, does that overly eloquent man, L. Crassus, mean by his speech which is more flowing than it is wise? He says, "Let us be snatched from slavery." What is this slavery to such a distinguished and noble man? For every weakened, humble, and broken-spirited timidity is a form of servitude. Do not serve anyone without cause. Does he wish to be vindicated into freedom? Not in the least. For what does he add? He does not wish to be free; he wishes only to change his master for you all. The text critiques Crassus for seeking a change in political master rather than true internal liberty. To whom can I even be subject? And we do not grieve. We, however, are of an exalted and lofty mind, and one exaggerated by virtues; we neither grieve nor are we capable of it. You should say that you are capable, since indeed you are; do not say that you are capable of being destroyed, since no one owes anything except the duty not to return what is shameful. But enough of this. Let him see how he can be a commander, when reason and truth itself prove that he is not even a free man.

That the wise man alone is rich.

What is this insolent display of yours concerning the commemoration of money? Are you the only one who is rich? By the immortal gods, should I not rejoice that I have heard and learned something? Are you the only one who is rich? What if you are not even rich? What if you are even poor? For whom do we understand to be rich, or in what kind of man do we place this word? I believe it is in him who has such a possession that he is easily content for the purpose of living liberally, who seeks nothing, craves nothing, and wishes for nothing more. For your mind must judge itself to be rich, not the talk of men, nor your possessions. And he who thinks that nothing is lacking to him, cares for nothing more. If you are satisfied or even content with money, believe that you are rich. But if, on account of a greed for money, you think no gain is shameful, since in that order likely referring to the social or mercantile class of the time no one can even be honest if you defraud, deceive, promise, bargain, take away, and snatch every day; if you despoil your associates and plunder the public treasury; or if you covet the testaments of your friends.