proverb · Legacy record
Some people are masters of money, some are slaves.
Some people are masters of money, some are slaves.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
People described as masters or slaves of money contrast directing resources with being constrained by them. The saying gives financial influence an agency image.
What the words are saying
The domination metaphor is not a literal status claim or a measure of human worth. A responsible interpretation can examine obligations and priorities without assuming wealth reflects discipline or hardship reflects poor character. Circumstances and unequal resources may limit choices beyond individual control.
Everyday example
Someone considers whether a financial commitment supports their priorities while recognising constraints they did not choose.
When to use it
Use it to discuss money’s influence with agency and circumstances considered.
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What it does not mean
No financial formula or character judgment from wealth and dependence is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
United States
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 142; PDF page 19; collection label: United States
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- United States