Comparing Socrates 'King Midas And The Golden Touch'

Building Relationships, not Wealth The seven deadly sins are called deadly for a reason. Perhaps some are more ‘deadly’ than others. Greed is often recognized as one of the more deadly sins because greed can lead to different types of evil. Ancient philosopher Socrates says this about greed, “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” Socrates makes a very true point about what greed does not bring, that is contentment. Too much want will result in the evil of extreme greed and discontentment; however, realizing that one doesn’t need excess material goods will lead to comfort and security. When one reaches a balance of want, they are aware that material possessions are not the only

They soon realize that new possessions only make them happy for a short while before they wear out. Possessions are a very unreliable source of happiness; they break, get old, or one loses interest in them. When the happiness runs out, those stricken with greed become obsessed with feeling that happy ‘high’ again. Greed is an addiction. A famous character who was inflicted with greed is King Midas. The tale of King Midas is retold by Nathaniel Hawthorne in his story “The Golden Touch”. It is stated that, “...he was so entirely possessed with this insane desire for riches…” (par. 3), and, “...Midas had got to be so exceedingly unreasonable, that he could scarcely bear to see or touch any object that was not gold.” (par. 4). Midas is crazed with his desire for gold, that it consumed his

One can begin to overcome greed by understanding and recognizing who in their life brings joy. Almost nothing compares to the time one spends with their family and friends. Many good memories are made by the people who find connection and security within others. In fact, one study shows that material possessions bring loneliness instead of happiness (“People, Not Things”). Loneliness caused by materialism can be cured by building bridges to create new relationships. By finding contentment in others, one can feel secure in the knowledge that their relationships are sure, they are cared for, and the relationships won’t lose value over time like an object